Come Go With Me To Long Island and the Dell-Vikings

Greg & Nora with the Dell-Vikings

helpful hint: aways have a pocket comb available if you're to going to have your picture made with a famous band












Smooth... that's about the best way I can describe the Dell-Vikings. Nora and I saw them live in person this past Saturday night and even got our photos made with one of the most famous vocal groups of the Doo Wop era. Nora's first cousin, Kay Ullman of Sands Point, NY was honored for her tremendous contributions to the school district and we attended the gala which featured a performance by the masters of Doo Wop... HOWEVER, they did end their show with a Beach Music classic, "Higher & Higher" Jackie Wilson style. My guess is the Dell Vikings could have covered many more artists very well like the Drifters, Clovers, etc but why cover others when you have your own great hits including "Whispering Bells", "Come Go with Me", "The Jitterbug" and others. Like many groups from the bygone days, you wonder how many of the current Dell Vikings were original but most of the guys on the stage looked pretty authentic to me.. .

On Friday night, we saw "Jersey Boys" on Broadway. It's great and a must see for those who love the music of the 60s. I have now figured out why Buddy Buie didn't make any money when he had a show with the Four Seasons back in the 60s. He said they charged a lot and even with a big crowd, he said he did not do well. If the story in the play is true, the had to charge a lot so they could get out of hock for all the band leader's gambling debts. That sounds like something that could have easily happened back in the Hey Baby Days. The play inspired me to take another step in trying to get the play written by Nora Marion based on the book produced. We may have found a possibility. Stay tuned but read a few of the opening scenes from the play by clicking on the link below:

http://www.heybabydays.com/HBD_Play_Vol_1.pdf

Medallion Sax man Johnny Cox was a helleva player

1968 Swingin' Medallion lineup: Front Row, Johnny Cox, saxophone; Jimbo Doares, guitar; and Joe Morris, drums; Back Row: Hack Bartley, saxophone; Grainger Hines, saxophone; John McElrath, keyboards; Charlie Webber, trumpet; and Carroll Bledsoe, trumpet






Medallions Johnny Cox and Hack Bartley at Medallion reunion in 1987




Medallions Perrin Gleaton, Johnny Cox and Freddy Pugh share memories in 2007


He was one helleva sax player! In a band known for horns, he stood out and now he joins Medallion band mates Steve Caldwell and Charlie Webber in the greatest horn section of them all! Johnny Cox died this past weekend in South Carolina. He had been suffering from lung cancer but his memory will be with us always. I’ll never forget the first time I saw him perform. It was in the Jacksonville Beach Coliseum, a venue long gone but forever etched in the memories of those who loved to see the bands of the Hey Baby Days in action. “Shotgun, git ‘em for they run “ “What Does It Take (To win your love)” “Hot Cha” Johnny was another Jr. Walker but don’t take what I say as gospel. Ask those who saw him perform. Yes! In a band where the “S” in Swingin’ stood for Saxophone, John Cox was nonpareil.


One of the stories that should have been in the book:

One of the mainstays of any Swingin’ Medallion shows is their presentation of Jr. Walker’s “Shotgun.” You know how it goes. The riveting song begins with a Medallion sax player playing the role of Jr. Walker. He blows the horn so hard that about halfway through, he doubles over on the floor, apparently passed out. Bandleader John McElrath asks “Is There a Doctor in The House?” Concern runs rampant as band members gather around trying to see if Jr. is going to make it. In the era of non-political correctness, there was always a Nurse Goodbody available to resuscitate the sprawling Junior. It seemed to always work because Jr. is so revived that he starts blowing the saxophone lying on his back and continues as he is pulled up off the floor by two band mates and held upside down still blowing the sax. It’s a Medallion trademark. It started way back with Brent Fortson and Freddy Pugh and continues today with Shawn McElrath. But Johnny Cox may be the only one of the Medallion sax players to ever be dropped during “Shotgun.” He was not just dropped to the stage but off the entire stage. It occurred at the Riverside Woman’s Club in Jacksonville, Florida. Johnny was smiling when he told me the story but I bet he wasn’t at the time as he missed several jobs as a result of the fall.

He apparently made a great recovery as he came back and continued to blow that horn from every angle with a great amount of passion and acumen.

Another ticket has been issued for “The Party to End All Parties” May Johnny Cox rest in peace.
Memorial Sevices:


Johnny Cox, original member of the Swingin' Medallions, who passed away
Saturday afternoon at 4:15pm at MUSC in Charleston. His body will be
cremated and there will be two memorial (celebration) services; one at Ocean
Drive Beach, and one in Johnny's hometown of Woodruff.

The two services to be held to celebrate Johnny's life are as follows:

Sunday, March 29, at 3:00pm, memorial services will be held at Lanford
Funeral Home Chapel on Main Street in Johnny's hometown of Woodruff, SC.

Sunday, April 05, at 11:30am, at The Pavilion at Ocean Drive Beach, A
memorial service will be conducted by Rev. Harold Beaver and Richard Carr.
After this service, everyone is invited next door to The O.D. Beach Club for
a celebration of Johnny's Life.

Would you believe there are “More Tempests in the Teapot?”

Would you believe there are “More Tempests in the Teapot?”



Why not? There were eleven dozen bands from South Carolina in the 60s called the Villagers, bands of Nomads on virtually every corner and forget trying to identify the various bands of Checkmates.

And their was another band called the Tempests and the were from Sumter, South Carolina and they played “soul music” according to Warren Moise. Moise, a musician, producer songwriter is associated with some of Beach Music's most well known songs such as "Ocean Boulevard", "Super Summer", "On the Beach", "Carolina Girls" and others. He has promised us a narrative about the band. Additionally we discovered that Warren is now a practicing attorney in Charleston. He is in excellent company of other musicians of the Hey Baby Days who gave up the stage for the courtroom ( which is another type of stage) Here are a few of the musicians from back in the day that have a shingle hanging:

Warren Moise ( Tempests )


http://www.grimcab.com/attorneys.php?id=4

Brent Fortson (Swingin’ Medallions)

http://www.lawyers.com/South-Carolina/Greenville/Law-Office-of-H.-Brent-Fortson,-LLC-2006301-f.html

Carl Ellsworth (Counts)

http://localdirectory.wistv.com/Ellsworth+Carl+A+Atty.9.9160778p.home.html

Sylvan Wells (Nightcrawlers)

Tommy Ratchford (Soul-7/Laymen)

Jim Roark Laymen (aka Suzy Storm & The Laymen) is a Judge


Know others ? we’ll add.

The other Tempests bands from the South “that we know about” are also bands of great renown. The Tempests from Charlotte, North Carolina dangled on the edge of national breakout in the late 60s with their entry, “Would You Believe”. Two Tempests’ cuts can be found on the Heeey Baby Days of Beach Music series. “Love Have Mercy” is on Disk Two that comes with the book and “ A Place Where We Can Go” can be found on Disk Eight.

The Tempests from Augusta had performers who went on to play with other well know Beach Music bands. A tie in with Ronnie Milsap is possible but not confirmed.












No! Joe Walsh was not the lead singer for the James Gang; it was Wilbur Walton Jr. Check the directory of Wilbur Walton & The James Gang above. Now it’s very possible that there was another band called the James Gang with a lead singer by the name of Joe Walsh but I can guarantee you that it was not the same band that recorded the classic, “Georgia Pines.” (Please remember that that at the Hey Baby Days blog, we believe in levity)

As you can see, we need help with our band directories. In some cases these directories serve as a certain 60s band’s bands only legacy. If a band performed “My Girl”, “Midnight Hour”, or any of the greatest hits from The Hey Baby Days, we want to know about them, want them listed among the bands on the Bands page at the site. To the extent that we can get all of the names and instruments etc, we want that as well. (Look at the directory form for the type of information that we are seeking) By reviewing the directories included in this posting, you will notice varying degrees of completeness.

We will be updating and adding directories to the Bands page soon… we have been working on it for some time but we still have a ways to go. For instance, we’ll be adding Wilbur Walton’s latest effort, “Mr. Rosebud” to his listing of releases. We’ll be adding another band of Tempests and hopefully filling in blanks for the two Tempest bands listed above.


If you reading this and know someone who might help in filling in some blanks, please forward this posting along. We also revise, and correct existing directories.

Thanks to all who are supporting the Hey Baby Days

Click on the images to enlarge


We are very gratified to hear almost daily from readers who are enjoying "The Heeey Baby Days of Beach Music." We started the blog because of the many and wonderful emails we were getting about the book. We were posting them on the "Comments From Readers" at the web site, www.heybabydays.com. Then our brilliant site webmaster said, "you should start a blog." And so we did ! The support continues to grow and if it continues, and the information flow continues, a Volume Two may become a reality. As to Volume One, a second printing is very possible. We'll keep you advised and when we get to a certain point in reservations, we'll send a note to China to start the presses.

The rare time that I was a Good Egg

A proud possession signed by the Candymen in August of 1968; Robert Nix referred to me as a "A Good Egg." ( Some may disagree)


Greg,

Hope your doing good! I'd like too put you more in the loop of what Alison Heafner and our band are doing! It's pretty exciting and I think you would really dig it! I'll start sending you stuff this week. In a nutshell, we have been kicking some major butt with her music in France and Europe. They seem to have a musical brain and heart over there and that's a good thing! Robert Register has been kind of keeping up on what's going on with the French radio, so ask him what it's all about! Thanks for all you are doing for our Southern Art Bro'! Love what you do!!

Robert Nix

Roy Orbison's the Candymen
the Atlanta Rhythm Section, and the
Alison Heafner/Robert Nix Band..

Visit Alison Heafner's My space site as follows:

myspace.com/alisonheafner



Robert,

Great to hear from you. We would be proud to add to our postings more about Alison Heafner and the Robert Nix band. One of the objectives of the blog is to keep alive the great names of "our generation" e.g. the Candymen, Wilbur Walton and the James Gang, Webs, Classics IV, Tams , Swingin' Medallions, Sensational Epics, (Does this sound like a commercial for Bill Lowery Talent ?) We are especially happy to promote their efforts as members of that elite club, "The Never Gonna Give it Up Club." Seems like a lot of members of the club are still going strong: Randall Bramblett, the Catalinas , John Townsend, Embers, Wilbur Walton & The Strange Gang, Swingin' Medallions, Robert Nix, the Tams, General Johnson and Chairman of the Board, Chuck Leavell, Jerry Butler, Clifford Curry and on and on... And many of them are recording !

I have been very impressed that the Europeans are still into our music of the 60s and 70s. It's the best music ever. Roberto does an incredible job of getting his message out there. I just hope I am half as effective. More referrals come to www.heybabydays.com from Robert's blog that any other (non-search engine ) source.


Regards,

Greg

"A Good Egg"





Hi Greg,
I've been catching up on your blog messages. Have been busy reading your book and am about 2/3 the way through. I'm finding it very interesting. My two Swingin' Medallion CD's that I ordered are on their way to me. Do you know where I can get the ones that are "unavailable" on Amazon.com and through their web site? Off hand I can't remember all the names, but one is called (I believe) The Sun, The Sand, The Sea. I was very happy to receive a "thank you" email from Ms. Barbara Lewis today thanking my husband and me for flying all the way from Hawaii to Los Angeles to see her in concert. We met a professional photographer, Abran Rubiner, at the concert and asked him to email us if he got some good shots of her performing. He did, and I am attaching the three photos. (I think the lei we gave her really added to the pictures.) Ms. Lewis told me she has been on the road a lot and will be leaving for a performance in Portland, Oregan in a few days. I am so happy for her because I could tell that she absolutely loves to perform "live", and her voice is incredible. The night I met her I told her I wished she would record an album/CD of classic love songs. Aloha,
Ann

Ann,


Thanks for your e-mail. Glad you are so far along in the book. I would be interested in getting your comments after you have finished the last text chapter ( The Party To End All Parties)You always give me ideas for postings. Most of my blog postings come from emails I get such as today’s header about Alison Heafner and the Robert Nix band. I know you saw Robert (Nix) perform back in the 60s being from Dothan, He was a member of the musicians’ band, the Candymen. (a “musicians band is a band that other musicians would pay to see perform)I don't know if Barbara (Lewis) has a President of her fan club. If not , I nominate you ! Y'all sound like a good match. I was trying to think if there was another female that has as much impact on Beach Music as Barbara Lewis (back in the day) as her; and about the only others I could come up with are Janice Barnett, Linda Qunlin, and Sharon Hinshaw ( none of whom had anything in the Top Forty but were certainly worthy) Susan Trexler is another one with a wonderful voice and if you have never heard any of her music , you should ! I am not sure she was performing back in the Hey Baby Days and I would never ask ! There are some others such as the female vocalist for December's Children, Susy of Susy and the Layman, the Sandpipers (Pensacola),and others that will come to mind just after I send this back to you. There's also some great new talent out there to compliment those mentioned above such as Alison Heafner, Melissa Doolittle ( thanks for turning her on to me), Rhonda McDaniel, Terri Gore , and others The "Sun, Sand & Sea " album by the Medallions is one that I partnered with John McElrath on back in 1981. It featured several songs that John wrote back them including "Going To The Beach Club”, “Charlie McGruders” and covers by the 1981 Medallions of the Original “66 bands album cuts plus “Hey, Baby” of course. I might be able to help you out on “The Sun, Sand & The Sea.” The title cut was released as a single as well and was written by John. It like many of John’s compostions deserved a better fate.



Regards,Greg

Adding "I Don't Want To Lose You Baby" to the play list

Images Above

"I Don't Want To Lose You Baby" written by John McElrath was released on Smash following "Double Shot" Both it and the flip side "Night Owl" have a certain party feel reminiscent of the 60s. "Night Owl" was a popular frat party song at LSU . The brothers in a fraternity way down yonder petitioned the Medallions ( who had discovered the party life of The Bayou) to record the song... which they did. It was written by B. Loveless and C. Vetter. C. Vetter aka Cyril Vetter ( drummer for Baton Rogue's Greek Fountains ) and Don Smith (drummer for Dick Holler's Holidays) scored bigger with "Double Shot."




Gene, ( Glee the DJ on Thursdays show)

I thought that your show last night was excellent. From the romping "black drawers" to the smooth, ice man, Jerry Butler; I enjoyed every tune. I got to hear most of it with just a little break to get some chow. It was good to "hear" Greg's voice as well. I think the article put up on the HBD site should surely arouse some interest in the show. It just seemed like a natural match up of audience interest.

I'll keep listening. Its easy to minimize the player and just go about whatever computer task you have, while enjoying the music. My machine is rigged with an Altec speaker system with a small sub woofer, so I get a pretty decent sound. Again, I enjoyed it; keep up the good picks.

Best,
John ( Bradley) Dynamic Consouls
Gene:

Ditto to John’s comments; I thought you have a good selection of music, blending classics with current Beach Music as well as infusing some non Beach Music. Part of the enjoyment to listening to a show like that is to get the small historical tidbits. Wasn’t Cliff Nobles that sang the vocals on the backside of “The Horse ?” Did Jackie Wilson end his shows with “Amen ?” Your audience can listen to the music and “Google” to find out.

Keep up the good work.


Regards,


Greg

Greg

My thanks to you kind sir! It was a pleasure having you participate in last night's show and I hope your schedule will allow you to listen again. You and John Bradley have both been a blessing to me. I sincerely appreciate the help in spreading the word and I hope I have as much success with my show as you have had with your book. The HBDBM was such gift to everyone who lived the life and loved the music of the 60's in the South! Thank you again for your devotion and writing of this book!

Gene Lee

Gene,

Thanks for your kind words about the book. I just got off the phone with John McElrath . I sent him the info on the blog so he’ll read about the show and will probably listen in next week as well. I’ll also remind him so if you got any copies of “I Don’t Want To Lose You Baby” or “Night Owl” you may want to cue them up for next Thursday’s show. lol. I kid John about the first one which has some very 60s lyrics but the song has great tempo.

Regards,

Greg


Thanks,

Greg. I'll check my collection. unfortunately...or maybe fortunately...it has grown to such proportions that I don't really know what I've got...lol. if at all possible.. I'll have them on. It would be great to have John join us! Thanks again.

Gene

Greg,


Which versions of these songs do I want? I find the "I Don't Want To Lose You Baby" by Chad & Jeremy ...and..."Night Owl" by Gerry Rafferty. Are these the songs you are referring to? Thanks for your help!

Gene


Gene,

According to John only about 7 or 8 were sold so it’s doubtful you have one and I am not giving up mine . lol

Greg

Greg

Do you have a means of sending me an mp3 file of the song?

G

Gene


I can probably do that and do you have last night's play list. I'd like to post it because I want HBDBM bloggers to see what they missed last night.

Regards,

Greg


Gene had a great song playlist last night as follows:

Playlist for Mar. 12,2009

Music Therapy on Our Generation Radio

1. Meet Me With Yo’ Black Drawers On (Gloria Hardiman)

2. Lay Around And Love On You ( Ray Charles)

3. Private Number(Judy Clay & William Bell)

4. One Foot Draggin’(Band of Oz)

5. I Love You 1,000 Times ( The Platters)

6. Only The Strong Survive ( Jerry Butler)

7. Let’s Get Loose (Clovers

8. Pour Your Little Heart Out (Drifters)

9. Rabbit Got The Gun (Holiday Band)

10. The Horse (Cliff Nobles)

11. Rainy Day Bells (Harlem Globetrotters)

12. Sea Cruise (Men of Distinction)

13. A Thousand Miles Away(……..)

14.Can I Change My Mind (Epics)

15. Goin Back To Louisana ( Delbert McClinton)

16.Doin The Shag (OC Smith)

17. Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool Ya (Kays)

18. He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother (Al Green)

19. I Want A Love I Can See (Angel Rissoff)

20. Give Me Some Sugar Baby (Miranda Louise)
21. Amen (Epics

22. Shake That Thang (Fantastic Shakers)

23. Savannah In The Rain (Griff)

24. The Doo Wop Song (Kays)

25.Too Late To Turn Back Now ( Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose)

26. Quiet Place ( Garnett Mims & The Enchanters)

27. I Go Crazy (Buddy Guy)

28. Never Ending Love For You (Delaney Bramlett)

29. Trickle, Trickle (Breeze Band)

30. Traces ( Dennis Yost & The Classics IV)

31.Lady Soul(Temptations)

32. This Magic Moment (Rick James)

33. Take Another Piece of My Heart (Deacon John & Jump Blues)

34. Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy (Tams)

34. Over The Rainbow (Band Of Oz)

35. Security (Otis Redding)

36.Together (Intruders)

36. When A Man Loves A Woman ( Percy Sledge)

37. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Rod Stewart)


If you like the kind of music listed above put next 7:00 PM next Thursday night on your calendar because DJ Glee will be spinning another
two hours of great grooves.

New Radio Program: A Sensational Epic

Sensational Epics 1966 promo photo above
First recorded the classic "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy"
On HBDMB Disk One




Sensational Epics' Trumpeter Gene Lee is DJ GLee on Internet Radio Program

check it out this Thursday Night 7:00 PM EST (tune in instructions below)

Hey Greg,

The blog on the HBD site really seems to have been a success. New information and news is flowing in at a steady rate. I have made it a habit to swing by often to check for new entries. Apparently the blog was a great step in the evolution of the site.

In the last month or so I became aware of an Internet radio program, "Music Therapy." This airs from 7 to 9 PM each Thursday. The host is billed as DJ GLee, who in real life is Gene Lee. Gene, as you know, is the long time trumpet player for the Sensational Epics. From the photographic evidence on the HBD site the two of you were spotted together at the SC State Museum event; as Gene attempted to show you some "stage moves!"

As you might imagine, he is playing some fine music on his show and providing some interesting background on the tunes and artists. A bonus feature is a chat room on the site where you can interact with Gene and other listeners in real time. While he doesn't strictly confine his play list to "Beach Music," I think you would find all the selections agreeable. Of course, he is well qualified to present and comment on songs from the HBD, due to his long term, active involvement with that genre.

I wanted to let you know about it because you may enjoy giving it a listen. Also, I reasoned it may be something you would want to share on the HBD blog. If so, I am sure that you and Gene could provide an interesting blog entry; maybe with a couple historic Epics' photos and a blurb about the show.

I mentioned that I was going to let you know about his program and he asked me to give you a "hello" from him. You probably already have his email, but for convenience it’s glee69@bellsouth.net
He could give you a better idea of what he's up to with the show.


Greg, I hope you will enjoy this program. As always, I am continuing to be delighted with the success of your endeavor. At one time it felt like the HBD phenomenon was winding down, but it seems it was just changing gears. In my estimation it continues to be a great, worthwhile venture that has brought smiles to many people.

Best,

John (Bradley) Dynamic Consouls

John,

Thanks for your comments about HBD. As long as we keep getting the number of visits we get to the site and blog, we intend to keep it going… might even publish a supplement as we have gained quite a bit of additional information and photos. Thanks for your continued support.

Regarding the Event at the State Museum of SC, you have it backwards. I was actually showing Gene some stage moves. I am well known for my stage moves… just ask the Jesters or the Swingin’ Medallions. I will admit that the Epics were easier for me to train than others. LOL

I was aware that Gene Lee has an awesome record collection because he showed me a sample of it when I visited him in Columbia prior to the publication of the book. He made significant contributions to the book and I am pleased to hear he is undertaking such a project because I know he is very qualified to give “Our Generation” a two hour trip down memory lane. I just hope “Our Generation” has the technical savvy to follow the instructions you have given me that are listed below. My guess is that the program is worth asking a child or perhaps a grandchild to help you to “tune in.”



THIS THURSDAY NIGHT 7:00 P.M.- 9:00 P.M.

Tune In Instructions

Go to site www.ourgenerationradio.com

Click "listen live" button

These options are given - "Low Band, High Band and My Own"

Select, "My Own"

You will be given several options. Windows users, pick "WMP High Band"


Also in order to use the chat room you may have to log on using the FireFox browser.


After listening to show, drop us an email and tell us what you think.