From 1957 out of Akron comes a cool sax filled instrumental. The band actually went by the name of The Versatiles when playing live and was formed by Gene Fiocca (piano)and Dick Maloyan (sax) while students at the University of Akron. Other members included Tony Taormina (drums) and Newman Williams (bass).
More info on this band/release can be read at Buckeye Beat.
From 1966 comes this obscure offering out of Akron. Members of The Panicks were actually from the Brecksville and Boston Heights areas but let’s say Akron as that’s were the label originated from. The band only did two 45s. This was their 2nd release.
For some Feb.3 1959 was “the day the music died” with the tragic loss of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens & the Big Bopper. I can understand this thought, however for another generation of music fans.. almost 50 years later, Feb. 4, 2009 was also a significant day when the music died. Lux Interior, lead mayhem singer/founder of The Cramps left this crazy planet for another mission. He and his band’s influence on me as well as many many more worldwide fans is immeasurable.
+++ R.I.P Lux. +++
So this post is about a band from Akron who officially never released any of their own material but who also craved the cool/obscure tunes of the late 50′s / early ’60′s. The Walking Clampetts line-up in the beginning included: John Teagle, Bob Basone, Michael Purkhiser and Mike von Hammer. The band has been at it since the ’80s when I would catch their shows around Y-town & Kent. Always a fun time. You see, Mike is the younger brother of Lux, hence the intro. I got to talk with Mike and John a few times mostly discussing obscure 50′s music. John told me a neighbor (I think) gave him an original copy of the classic/rare Johnny Burnette and the Rock n Roll Trio LP. I’m still jealous! John also a vintage gear aficionado, co-authoring Fender Amps: The First Fifty Years and another about Washburn Guitars. Mike runs a tube amp repair and design business seen HERE.
Check YouTube for some recent videos of the band live. Today’s post is a rare demo from back in the day.
Not a lot of info on this country listing from Bobby Boyle and the Revenuers. It emerged outta Akron in 1965. Additional info appreciated.
For some reason Halloween always reminds me to listen to The Cramps! To say that this band changed they way I view music…is an understatement. Through the Cramps my ears have opened up to countless bands & artists who I never would have the enjoyment of experiencing. To this day, I continue to hunt for odd/obscure tracks that satisfy my musical appetite.
I was lucky enough to see the Cramps live a few times in mid 80′s and early ’90′s. Always a good show. I even had the pleasure of knowing Lux’s brother Mike for a short period as he played in The Walking Clampetts. More on them in another post. One memorable Clampett’s gig was when Lux and Ivy showed up at Youngstown’s Penguin Pub and stood right next to me.
There are loads of sites with loads of info devoted to this great band. Google & YouTube for starters. R.I.P. Lux…thanks for the inspiration and memories. Hey Ivy…hope you’re doing well….I speak for many….we miss ya.