02-19-2009
( Reply#: 2783 ) |
diskojoe |
Even though I'm not a Region Rat, I am interested in 60s music & I'm curious how big the 60s garage band scene was in the Hammond area. Were there any bands that put out 45s & got airplay on the local radio stations? |
02-19-2009
( Reply#: 2784 ) |
Bill Bucko |
In 1966, I knew the lead singer of a local band--they played at a Morton pep relly in the big parking lot of the new Calumet National Bank on Kennedy Ave. near 165th--but darned if I can remember his name or the band's!
Across the state line, it was a great era for Chicago bands, with beautiful songs from The Ides of March, The Cryan' Shames, The New Colony Six, and The Buckinghams.
Offhand, I can't think of a single Indiana band other than the good-but-never-successful Boys Next Door from Indianapolis. At least Sundazed has issued a CD of their work.
Bill
Warren G. Harding Class of '63 |
02-19-2009
( Reply#: 2785 ) |
duane |
Thanks for the responses....although I wasn't necessarily thinking of bands that made it big (or had a hit record) but rather the locally known bands who played at your high schools and proms, etc. Just wanted to see if we knew the same bands and their members.
But we can sure open it up to local bands that made the big time too! |
02-20-2009
( Reply#: 2786 ) |
Alan Vandever |
OK, I'd like to jump in here. Does anyone remember Trilly and the Capers? How about the Frank De Rosa Combo? I used to play with them sometimes. As a photog for The Times, I remember taking pix of Stix just as they were becoming famous.
If anyone does remember Trilly and the Capers, I wonder if anyone remembers the Kilgore kids. They played guitars for the band and were unbelievably good. |
02-21-2009
( Reply#: 2787 ) |
duane |
The name of Frank De Rosa combo sounds familiar, although I've no recollection of ever seeing or hearing them. About what timeframe did you play in these groups?
Also interesting that you mention Stix....it seems like they were playing at the Hammond Civic center every other week. This would be a typical conversation:
"Hey are you going to the civic center to see any bands this weekend?"
"Who's playing?"
"Styx"
"Oh, them again... I think I'll pass."
|
02-22-2009
( Reply#: 2792 ) |
Alan Vandever |
Both bands were around during the mid 60's thru mid 70's. |
02-23-2009
( Reply#: 2794 ) |
Gavitgal |
Denny Seeds from Hessville...what was the name of his band? I keep thinking Ides of March, but that was a Chicago band. |
02-26-2009
( Reply#: 2798 ) |
diskojoe |
Alan, a bit off topic, but do you know what Randy's musical tastes were? Was he as big a jazz fan as his big brother? |
02-26-2009
( Reply#: 2799 ) |
Alan Vandever |
Yes, Randy loved Jazz. He also liked Dionne Warwick. |
06-13-2009
( Reply#: 3189 ) |
dilligaf717 |
Does anyone remember a band that was around in the late sixties called "The Exports?" They had a song that was played on the local radio called "Hey Carhop." A couple of the members were in my Dad's National Guard unit in Gary.
I also remember going to Dex Card's Wild Goose at the N.G. armory in Hessville. Anyone else remember those days?
Jim
Still runnin against the wind. |
06-15-2009
( Reply#: 3196 ) |
Nannerz |
Hello everyone. I am new to the forum, so trying to catch up
on all the entries. One local band I recall who played at our
Morton Pep Rally was the Vikings. Their lead singer was
H.A. Gentry. They played at a lot of local parties and were
pretty good.
Nannerz |
06-15-2009
( Reply#: 3197 ) |
linbu |
Now I remember them! I was awfully young, but remember them. |
06-18-2009
( Reply#: 3221 ) |
wvcogs |
Hello Nannerz,
H A Gentry (not H. A.) was in the Morton class of 1961? While in school he sang with the choir and other formal musical groups as well as in smaller,rock groups.
Ken |
06-18-2009
( Reply#: 3222 ) |
Alan Vandever |
Does anyone remember Homer and Jethro? Believe it or not, they were a local band. Homer lived in Lansing, Il. and Jethro lived on the south side.
They opened for Benda Lee one time at the Hammond Civic Center. I got back stage after the performance and met her, she really was a little bitty thing. |
06-18-2009
( Reply#: 3223 ) |
Nannerz |
Yes, you are correct, H A Gentry was a bit older than our classmates (class of 66) but still came back to Morton and sang with the band for assemblies, and pep ralleys. I wonder what ever happened to him????
Nannerz |
08-09-2009
( Reply#: 3488 ) |
rmkekeis |
I was from Hammond High and my cousin was from tech and we hung with H A. His license said H only A only Gentry and his Dad and a (57?) Ford with the retractable top. I remember going with him to Morton one day and listing to him (I think) audition or test.
Does anyone know where he is and if he can be contacted. The last I heard of him was many years ago there was something in the paper about him being in trouble with the law and Goldblatt's. He was working in their security dept. |
11-10-2009
( Reply#: 3919 ) |
MrRazz |
I remember an Assembly Hall at Morton when Mike Opperman performed on drums with a band in the '60's...he blew me away. Thought he was so talented and didn't really know him personally...but often wonder where he went from there.
Tim |
11-14-2009
( Reply#: 3944 ) |
Paddy |
quote:
Originally posted by Alan Vandever
Does anyone remember Homer and Jethro? Believe it or not, they were a local band. Homer lived in Lansing, Il. and Jethro lived on the south side.
They opened for Benda Lee one time at the Hammond Civic Center. I got back stage after the performance and met her, she really was a little bitty thing.
Yes, she was. When I was a kid, I hawked peanuts, popcorn and cokes at Civic Center events like the Grand Ole Oprey.
I came close to meeting Brenda. When the Grand Ole Oprey set up in the Civic Center, our vending office became part of the backstage area. I remember coming out of the office during a performance and there was Brenda, standing all alone as she waited to go on stage. Even at my age of 13, I was a veteran of seeing performers backstage at the Civic Center, and I knew enough not to disturb her. She was a cutie with a dynamic voice for her age.
As for Homer and Jethro, people who missed them missed a class act. I was fortunate to see them perform as I hawked my wares during breaks. They were virtuosos of stringed instruments, but they became noted for their low-keyed wit.
Homer was the straight man. I recall a performance where someone came down the aisle to find a seat in the middle of their act. Jethro said to Homer, "This is the first time I remember someone walking in on our act." Truly funny people, and part of our region's history.
|
11-15-2009
( Reply#: 3948 ) |
wvcogs |
Speaking of the Grand Ole Opry at the Civic Center, there's a picture for everything. Here are a couple I took at a 1956 concert. It looks like Hank Snow and the Carter Family -- Mother Maybelle, June, and two other sisters -- were on the same bill. And, according to the poster on the front of the stage, Red Foley was coming Sunday, November 4, with his Ozark Jubilee. Paddy, were you working there at this time?
Ken...
[url="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g268/wvcogs72/Hammond/HankSnow.jpg"]Hank Snow[/url]
[url="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g268/wvcogs72/Hammond/TheCarterFamily.jpg"]The Carter Family[/url] |
11-15-2009
( Reply#: 3954 ) |
Paddy |
quote:
Originally posted by wvcogsPaddy, were you working there at this time?
Yes, I was. I started working there when I was 13 or 14. |
11-22-2009
( Reply#: 3967 ) |
seejay2 |
According to his cousin, his band was the "Citations". She has no idea what he is doing now. His grandaughter recently passed away from cancer and that's all we know. I always thought he looked just like the guy on "Night of the Living Dead", Johnny (Russel Streiner)"They're coming to get you Barbara! They're coming for you!".
[quote]Originally posted by MrRazz
I remember an Assembly Hall at Morton when Mike Opperman performed on drums with a band in the '60's...he blew me away. Thought he was so talented and didn't really know him personally...but often wonder where he went from there.
Tim
[/quote] |
11-22-2009
( Reply#: 3968 ) |
tom w |
Does anyone remember the "Kingsmen" from Hammond Tech? The great lead singer Tony Zeman, Pinky Hull,Tom Polgar, Pinky's little brother Ralph and the magical Carrie Pearson and his drums. My apologies to anyone that I left out. What a great group!! Tom W |
12-08-2009
( Reply#: 4157 ) |
duane |
Lufkin Extension
Garland Richards on Lead Guitar & Vocals
Tony Madajczik on Drums
Don't remember the other 1 or 2 members.
Played the St. Stan's CYO Christmas Dance. December 1968. |
12-09-2009
( Reply#: 4158 ) |
Pro2am |
I recall a couple of local 1960s bands from the Calumet Region. One was called "The Regal Crowns", a quartet (sometimes quintet) that mostly played polkas, waltzes, and some "easy listening favorites at various events/establishments (wedding receptions, a couple of local restaurants, etc.). I should remember this band: I was its trumpet player. [:D]
Another band I remember - probably a "one-hit wonder" - was named "The Chances R". They had a song called "Winds and Seas" that was played on Gary radio station WLTH in the Summer of '66. I never heard this song played anywhere else. I still kick myself for not buying a copy of it.
Mike Rapchak Jr.
--------------------------------------
quote:
Originally posted by duane
Fellow Region Rats:
Who were some of your favorite local bands of the 1960's?
Just think back at who used to play for your sock hops and proms.
My favorites:
Oscar and the Majestics
Stone Ground Kelly (used to sit in their basement & listen to them jam)
All Star Frogs (played at Bishop Noll prom in 1971)
Shades of Blue (not the hit band, but local band with Terry Kish on guitar)
World Column (great band with a rhythm section, horn section (ala Chicago) and 3 or 4 singers (ala 4 Tops or Temptations). They could play it all....rock, rock/jazz, soul.
|
12-10-2009
( Reply#: 4160 ) |
duane |
Mike - I definitely remember the Chances R.
I even think I had a business card of theirs, and (at the time) knew one of their band members, although for the life of me I don't know who it was. |
12-10-2009
( Reply#: 4161 ) |
Jim Plummer |
The first band listed on this topic was Oscar and The Majestics. Anybody know anything about them?quote:
Originally posted by Pro2am
I recall a couple of local 1960s bands from the Calumet Region. One was called "The Regal Crowns", a quartet (sometimes quintet) that mostly played polkas, waltzes, and some "easy listening favorites at various events/establishments (wedding receptions, a couple of local restaurants, etc.). I should remember this band: I was its trumpet player. [:D]
Another band I remember - probably a "one-hit wonder" - was named "The Chances R". They had a song called "Winds and Seas" that was played on Gary radio station WLTH in the Summer of '66. I never heard this song played anywhere else. I still kick myself for not buying a copy of it.
Mike Rapchak Jr.
--------------------------------------
quote:
Originally posted by duane
Fellow Region Rats:
Who were some of your favorite local bands of the 1960's?
Just think back at who used to play for your sock hops and proms.
My favorites:
Oscar and the Majestics
Stone Ground Kelly (used to sit in their basement & listen to them jam)
All Star Frogs (played at Bishop Noll prom in 1971)
Shades of Blue (not the hit band, but local band with Terry Kish on guitar)
World Column (great band with a rhythm section, horn section (ala Chicago) and 3 or 4 singers (ala 4 Tops or Temptations). They could play it all....rock, rock/jazz, soul.
|
12-10-2009
( Reply#: 4162 ) |
Jay |
Speaking of local bands, does anyone remember "The Changing Times"? They were a three piece band who played mostly at weddings, as well as at a few school talent shows and dances. They existed between 1967 and 1973 and played all around the Calumet Region. |
12-10-2009
( Reply#: 4165 ) |
Pro2am |
Duane,
That is really interesting! You're the first person I've ever heard say that they remember the band (or the song).
I recall an event - autograph-signing or something - held at a book store in Merrillvile around the mid 1990s. I forget the name of the book - also its author - but it had to do with historic radio in the Chicago area/Calumet Region. My Dad was one of the invitees (since he's described in the book), so I went with him. It was an impressive occasion since there were several well-know personalities there (including Jan Gabriel, whom I got to chat with). Also in attendance was a formwe DJ named Ron Borden, who used to work at WLTH. In a discussion I had with him I mentioned The Chances R's "Winds and Seas", and that WLTH was the only station I ever heard the song played on. Ron said that he still had a copy of the record and that he'd be glad to make me cassette copy. Unfortunately I never followed up on his offer, which I still regret to this day.
In my phone book I just found a Ron Borden, located in Crown Point. I'm going to have to call the number and see if it's the same fellow.
Mike Rapchak Jr.
===================================
quote:
Originally posted by duane
Mike - I definitely remember the Chances R.
I even think I had a business card of theirs, and (at the time) knew one of their band members, although for the life of me I don't know who it was.
|
12-11-2009
( Reply#: 4166 ) |
diskojoe |
I looked up the Chances R on a garage band data base & I found that one of their songs (not "Wind and Seas") is on a new Sundazed complilation of the Quill Records label. Here's the link:
http://www.sundazed.com/product_info.php?cPath=125&products_id=1096
They also put out another compiliation of USA Records stuff that you guys might remember from back in the day which has received plenty of good reviews. |
12-05-2011
( Reply#: 7598 ) |
Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by Boilermaker
I saw REO Speedwagon at the NG Armory around 1967-68. Nobody really knew them at the time.
Back in the 80s, I bumped into Kevin Cronin (lead singer for REO) at WLS in Chicago.
My sister went to school with a girl whose last name was Simmons. Her brother was a member of a rock band that actually cut a record that I purchased. If I can find the record, I could give you the name of the group.
Also, I remember reading about another local boy who had an interesting but brief career in punk rock. His name is Larry Mysliwiec and we attended the same East Chicago music school. He became a professional drummer who actually recorded with and toured with a band. After his music career ended, I believe he became a police officer in Shererville Indiana. You can read about him at http://skafish.us/mysliwiec.htm
I myself played in a local band for six years back when I was in high school and college. I even worked as a music teacher at Crestone Music in Hessville. And although I still play musical instruments, I miss performing live. |
12-05-2011
( Reply#: 7600 ) |
seejay2 |
OK, I guess this would be a perfect time to slip these in here. Someone sent me these a couple of years in hopes that I may be able to identify them. I know nothing about these pix as to who or where. They are supposed to be from 'da region' somewhere:
Cj
[IMG]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/seejay2_photos/HessvilleBand2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/seejay2_photos/HessvilleBand1.jpg[/IMG] |
12-05-2011
( Reply#: 7604 ) |
duane |
quote:
Originally posted by Jay
His name is Larry Mysliwiec and we attended the same East Chicago music school. He became a professional drummer who actually recorded with and toured with a band.
I remember Larry well, and I know he was playing with some bands whilst in high school, but I can't recall the names. I remember that he had a huge gong that hung behind his drum set (I believe it fell off a boat while being shipped here to the Chicago harbor - ha ha...right?)
Jay, I did not know that you were in a band, other than Sam Calpino's above the Indiana Restaraunt! |
12-05-2011
( Reply#: 7606 ) |
HassoBenSoba |
In the two old b&w photos above, the only clue to the band's identity
would be that black and white music desk/stand that's standing on the floor between
the drummer and the bass player---the band's name is printed on it, but it's too small to read.
It's one of those "John Doe and the Bel Tones"-type names. There should be a musician standing there,
along with the piano, bass and drums; maybe the guy was on a john break.
LR |
12-05-2011
( Reply#: 7612 ) |
Bill Bucko |
As for the three guys in the photo, all I can say is that they're definitely NOT the Nairobi Trio. Not hairy enough.
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoLTFQsFswM
Bill
Warren G. Harding Class of '63 |
12-06-2011
( Reply#: 7623 ) |
seejay2 |
Larry:
One of the first things I did was make an attempt to filter the printing on that 'thing' on the floor, but failed to make it legible; nevermind the docs hanging on the walls. The Schlitz bottle, to the right of the bassist, is clear enough though.
Bill:
Thanks for that 'blast-from-the-past' with the Nairobi Trio. I never got much into TV all my life (even less now), but when I did, Ernie was part of my repertoire. It's really infuriating to have to listen to the 'stupids' make the claim that the trio was a racist (ad nauseum) thing. I also enjoyed when Ernie did those "Mack The Knife" skits, too...Cj
|
12-06-2011
( Reply#: 7630 ) |
Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by duane
quote:
Originally posted by Jay
His name is Larry Mysliwiec and we attended the same East Chicago music school. He became a professional drummer who actually recorded with and toured with a band.
I remember Larry well, and I know he was playing with some bands whilst in high school, but I can't recall the names. I remember that he had a huge gong that hung behind his drum set (I believe it fell off a boat while being shipped here to the Chicago harbor - ha ha...right?)
Jay, I did not know that you were in a band, other than Sam Calpino's above the Indiana Restaraunt!
Duane, I was in a band called "The Changing Times" during my last two years at Bishop Noll and all four years at Purdue Calumet. We played all over northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois. And although I was formally trained on the accordian, I was the drummer for this band. Most of our gigs were weddings. But we also did play for some school dances and talent shows. After graduating from Purdue, I left the band to go on active duty with the military. Sadly, when I returned to civilian life, the band had disbanded. So I got busy with a full-time civilian job and part-time involvement with the military reserves and attending school. Unfortunately, that didn't leave me with enough time to participate with another band.
Today, although my drum set has been sold, I still have my accordian and guitars. To relax, I enjoy playing along with music videos and records. But I sure do miss playing for a live audience and getting paid for it. |
12-06-2011
( Reply#: 7634 ) |
duane |
Thanks, Jay...I did not know that about you. Eagle Scout, Lifeguard, drummer, veteran - a man for all seasons! |
12-07-2011
( Reply#: 7650 ) |
Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by duane
Thanks, Jay...I did not know that about you. Eagle Scout, Lifeguard, drummer, veteran - a man for all seasons!
Oops, I forgot to mention that I also served part-time as an auxiliary police officer in various local communities. And I returned to college part-time to earn a second Bachelor's degree, and to take some refresher courses to update my first Bachelor's degree.
Gosh, I sure was a busy fellow. |
12-07-2011
( Reply#: 7651 ) |
tom w |
So now since I am an OLD DUDE I can sit around with other old dudes and whatever someone says I can relate similar experiences. Then others can say "You must be 100 years old to have that much experience" meaning I must be lying. Then and ONLY the we get to experience the sweet results of sillence and listening. LOL Tom W |
12-07-2011
( Reply#: 7653 ) |
Little Stevie |
In regards to the 2 band photos above. I agree with Larry. However, being that they were from "Da Reegin", I'm guessing the name on the stand reads:
John Dowinski and the Piwa Players!
LS |
12-25-2011
( Reply#: 7801 ) |
class_of_66 |
Everyday
[url][/url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGPwmgmXBWg&feature=related |
12-26-2011
( Reply#: 7811 ) |
seejay2 |
What's this have to do with anything?...Cj |
