Showing posts with label Rock and Roll. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rock and Roll. Show all posts
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Travis Wammack live in Gardendale - Saturday December 6
Thanks to the great folks at Birmingham Record Collectors Travis Wammack and the Snakeman Band will be at the Gardendale Civic Center on Saturday December 6th. Gardendale is just north of Birmingham. Tickets are going fast, to get yours contact Don Campbell at 205-837-0596.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Birmingham Record Show August 16 & 17!
The South's Largest Show featuring records and CDs of every genre, every decade! Presented by the Birmingham Record Collectors.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Phil Cay and the Blue Notes
A native of Jacksonville, FL. Phil Cay began his recording career with Phil Cay and the Blue Notes in Birmingham in the late 1950's.
Above: Ray McStevension, Phil Cay, Dale Dunkin, Johny Bowman, Jimmie Davidson. According to Phil, this was the original Phil Cay and the Blue Notes, photo taken at the American Legion, Lakeshore Blvd. This photo was taken in 1958 and it was the first gig they played. They were discovered there by Henry Hartzog of Hart Records. They recorded over 15 records from 1958 to 1965.
The first record by Phil Cay and the Blue Notes was "Meet Me in the Barnyard", on Hart. This fun rocker featured Vince Oliver on sax and an ending of canned farm animal sounds.
Above, Vince Oliver playing with the Blue Notes. These days, Vince Oliver can usually be found at his barbershop in Birmingham (http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Hippodrome_Barber_Shop_)
Here's "Meet Me at the Barnyard", recorded 1958 and 59, released on Hart.
"Take My Everything" released 1959 on Hart
More information on Phil Cay is here: http://alabamamusicoffice.com/artists-a-z/c/2759-cay-phil-
The first record by Phil Cay and the Blue Notes was "Meet Me in the Barnyard", on Hart. This fun rocker featured Vince Oliver on sax and an ending of canned farm animal sounds.
Above, Vince Oliver playing with the Blue Notes. These days, Vince Oliver can usually be found at his barbershop in Birmingham (http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Hippodrome_Barber_Shop_)
Here's "Meet Me at the Barnyard", recorded 1958 and 59, released on Hart.
"Take My Everything" released 1959 on Hart
More information on Phil Cay is here: http://alabamamusicoffice.com/artists-a-z/c/2759-cay-phil-
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Here's a great Kickstarter project by Alabamian Jason Worley. It's a vinyl compilation featuring some of the most primitive Garage Rock & Roll, the wildest reverb drenched Surf riffs, and the fastest frantic Punk songs coming out of Alabama right now!
These bands are keeping the flame of the venerable musical traditions of the blues, old time and rock and roll.
He's going to press as many records as you make possible, and give those not pre-sold to the bands. Free. So they can sell them. For 100% profit. That's right. Your money is going directly to provide killer bands with killer merch. Merch they can sell to put gas in their tank. Merch they can use to book shows. Merch that will raise awareness as far as these comps travel!
For a little as $5 donation you can vote for a band you think should be included in the compilation. Check out the project page for the complete dope.
These bands are keeping the flame of the venerable musical traditions of the blues, old time and rock and roll.
He's going to press as many records as you make possible, and give those not pre-sold to the bands. Free. So they can sell them. For 100% profit. That's right. Your money is going directly to provide killer bands with killer merch. Merch they can sell to put gas in their tank. Merch they can use to book shows. Merch that will raise awareness as far as these comps travel!
For a little as $5 donation you can vote for a band you think should be included in the compilation. Check out the project page for the complete dope.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Alabama Piano Legend Bobby Mizzell Benefits From Sale Of His Music
By Ray Edwards
Alabama Piano Legend Bobby Mizzell was born in Childersburg in 1937. Before he reached 21 he had his own radio show, had won a TV talent contest playing “Tommy Dorsey’s Boogie Woogie”, and had formed his own Kim record label. He also had recorded what is still considered by many to be one of the greatest piano rockabilly songs ever: “Knockout.”
Bobby joined with his close friend, Alabama’s Lee Woodard to put out classic songs such as “Heart And Soul”, and “Same Thing.” This record on the Birmingham Reed label was picked up by 20th Century Fox for national distribution. After performing on the Birmingham TV groundbreaking “Country Boy Eddie” show Bobby moved to Beaumont, Texas in 1960. For the next five years he worked as an in-demand session piano player for a variety of recording artists. Then it was on to California where he mixed playing in Los Angeles night spots and working as a film editor, restoring classic films.
In December, 1985 Bobby played on Rick Nelson’s last recording session that included a super job on the song “You Got Me Gone.” Rick was so impressed that he asked Bobby to join him on tour. Other commitments prevented Bobby from taking the offer to join Rick Nelson on that ill-fated last tour.
By 1986 he was back rockin’ the piano. He restarted Kim records and released a string of piano pumping songs. He performed with one of his idols, Hadda Brooks, famous Boogie piano player. They became friends and she produced several of his recording sessions.
While Bobby is in his 70’s and has faced a battle with cancer, he still has found time to perform fundraising concerts near his home. He is well remembered as the Boogie and Blues piano player at the Tam O’Shanter club in Glendale and Magoos in Hollywood.
Bobby has many fans back in Alabama, including members of the Birmingham Record Collectors club. When word reached them about Bobby’s health problems one of the members, Ray Edwards called to ask if his record company could release Bobby’s music back in his home state to help out. Bobby’s son Richard provided two CDs plus one of the BRC members had a copy of a release from 1993. The result was a two CD set containing 45 Bobby Mizzell’s songs. Cargo Records provided all of the CDs, cases, and booklets at no cost and all of the money taken in goes directly to Bobby.
The CD’s are available at the new record store in Gardendale, Birmingham Records, for just $15.00 each, or may be ordered by calling the store at 205-837-0596. They will also be available at the BRC Record Show, August 18th & 19th at the Cedars Club, 2 blocks east of I-65 at the Green Springs exit, just south of downtown Birmingham.
More information: http://alabamamusicoffice.com/artists-a-z/m/801-mizzell-bobby
Alabama Piano Legend Bobby Mizzell was born in Childersburg in 1937. Before he reached 21 he had his own radio show, had won a TV talent contest playing “Tommy Dorsey’s Boogie Woogie”, and had formed his own Kim record label. He also had recorded what is still considered by many to be one of the greatest piano rockabilly songs ever: “Knockout.”
Bobby joined with his close friend, Alabama’s Lee Woodard to put out classic songs such as “Heart And Soul”, and “Same Thing.” This record on the Birmingham Reed label was picked up by 20th Century Fox for national distribution. After performing on the Birmingham TV groundbreaking “Country Boy Eddie” show Bobby moved to Beaumont, Texas in 1960. For the next five years he worked as an in-demand session piano player for a variety of recording artists. Then it was on to California where he mixed playing in Los Angeles night spots and working as a film editor, restoring classic films.
In December, 1985 Bobby played on Rick Nelson’s last recording session that included a super job on the song “You Got Me Gone.” Rick was so impressed that he asked Bobby to join him on tour. Other commitments prevented Bobby from taking the offer to join Rick Nelson on that ill-fated last tour.
By 1986 he was back rockin’ the piano. He restarted Kim records and released a string of piano pumping songs. He performed with one of his idols, Hadda Brooks, famous Boogie piano player. They became friends and she produced several of his recording sessions.
While Bobby is in his 70’s and has faced a battle with cancer, he still has found time to perform fundraising concerts near his home. He is well remembered as the Boogie and Blues piano player at the Tam O’Shanter club in Glendale and Magoos in Hollywood.
Bobby has many fans back in Alabama, including members of the Birmingham Record Collectors club. When word reached them about Bobby’s health problems one of the members, Ray Edwards called to ask if his record company could release Bobby’s music back in his home state to help out. Bobby’s son Richard provided two CDs plus one of the BRC members had a copy of a release from 1993. The result was a two CD set containing 45 Bobby Mizzell’s songs. Cargo Records provided all of the CDs, cases, and booklets at no cost and all of the money taken in goes directly to Bobby.
The CD’s are available at the new record store in Gardendale, Birmingham Records, for just $15.00 each, or may be ordered by calling the store at 205-837-0596. They will also be available at the BRC Record Show, August 18th & 19th at the Cedars Club, 2 blocks east of I-65 at the Green Springs exit, just south of downtown Birmingham.
More information: http://alabamamusicoffice.com/artists-a-z/m/801-mizzell-bobby
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
"Lucky" Joe Almond and His Hillbilly Rockers
"Lucky" Joe Almond was a great, though obscure, country singer. He seems to be better known in Europe than in the US considering that some of the most extensive Internet documentation of him is at Wikipedia in German.
Hailing from Wedowee, Alabama Lucky Joe had a short, four year career during which he recorded several transitional country/rock and roll songs on the Trumpet and Globe labels. It seems that the effort to bridge that gap was most intentional with his backing band renamed from "the Georgia Peach Pickers" to '"Lucky" Joe Almond and His Hillbilly Rockers' for the 1954 release of "Gonna Roll and Rock" and "Hickory Nut Boogie". The record was released on August 7, 1954 - a few weeks after Elvis Presley's first Sun release, "That's All Right".
Special thanks to Kevin Nutt for the heads up on Lucky Joe.
More information: http://alabamamusicoffice.com/artists-a-z/a/2715-almond-qluckyq-joe
Hailing from Wedowee, Alabama Lucky Joe had a short, four year career during which he recorded several transitional country/rock and roll songs on the Trumpet and Globe labels. It seems that the effort to bridge that gap was most intentional with his backing band renamed from "the Georgia Peach Pickers" to '"Lucky" Joe Almond and His Hillbilly Rockers' for the 1954 release of "Gonna Roll and Rock" and "Hickory Nut Boogie". The record was released on August 7, 1954 - a few weeks after Elvis Presley's first Sun release, "That's All Right".
Special thanks to Kevin Nutt for the heads up on Lucky Joe.
More information: http://alabamamusicoffice.com/artists-a-z/a/2715-almond-qluckyq-joe
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Larry and the Loafers Return! November 11th 2011 in Birmingham
Those who are fortunate enough to have met him know that Larry Parker is always glad to autograph a copy of one of his records. Above his signature he writes "Rock & Roll Forever" and you'd better believe he means every word!
He'll be debuting newly reformed Larry and the Loafers at Workplay in Birmingham on Friday November 11th. Treat yourself to tickets for Hangout with Larry and the Loafers on line at http://www.workplay.com/
In 1960 Larry Parker's band, Larry and the Loafers took an unusual approach to grabbing their place in rock and roll history. They scored a hit on Birmingham radio before they ever recorded a record. It was called Panama City Blues and it premiered on WIXI AM-1480 radio in Irondale where Larry was working as a DJ.
Soon other radio stations began calling to find out where they could get a copy of the record all the kids were calling in to request. Faced with this fortunate predicament Larry immediately negotiated a Reed Records release with Homer Milam but it was still over a month before copies of Panama City Blues were available. In an October 2011 interview, Larry talks about how this first version of Panama City Blues came about.
Larry had a hit song and now he needed some trousers for his group of young rock and roll stars. The Birmingham Liberty factory was making some pegged pants called Skeets that were just the thing for outfitting Larry and the Loafers. Larry needed some skeets and Liberty needed a commercial that would inspire their teenage customers. So Larry and the Loafers recorded "Skeets are Neat" that became a hit on its own. Check it out on YouTube and don't miss Larry in his custom-made Skeets with gold and sliver threads!
Over his career Larry has has recorded on Heart Records, Ed Boutwell Studios in Birmingham, with musicians Ronnie Eades, Barry Beckett, Glen Lane, and the ‘Roulettes’, Bill Lowery and Master Sounds Studio in Atlanta where he wrote and recorded “Let’s Go to the Beach” (co-written by Emery Gordy who later produced for the group Alabama and played with the Atlanta band ‘St. John and the Cardinals’, and Fame Recording Studio in Memphis with producer Sonny Limbo where he joined the ‘Hombres’, Booker T. Jones, and the ‘Memphis Strings’ and recorded “Sunshine” and “Paper Man”. His songs have been reissued on a number of collector compilations including The Best Of Greasy Rock 'N' Roll, Teenage Time and The Big Itch.
Check out Larry and the Loafers official website: http://www.larryandtheloafers.com/
Larry Parker's complete bio is here http://www.alabamamusicoffice.com/artists-a-z/p/866-parker-larry-larry-and-the-loafers
Check out the more of the interview with Larry at Alabama Music Office's YouTube channel. http://www.youtube.com/user/alabamamusicoffice
Special thanks to Larry Parker and Birmingham Record Collectors.
He'll be debuting newly reformed Larry and the Loafers at Workplay in Birmingham on Friday November 11th. Treat yourself to tickets for Hangout with Larry and the Loafers on line at http://www.workplay.com/
In 1960 Larry Parker's band, Larry and the Loafers took an unusual approach to grabbing their place in rock and roll history. They scored a hit on Birmingham radio before they ever recorded a record. It was called Panama City Blues and it premiered on WIXI AM-1480 radio in Irondale where Larry was working as a DJ.
Soon other radio stations began calling to find out where they could get a copy of the record all the kids were calling in to request. Faced with this fortunate predicament Larry immediately negotiated a Reed Records release with Homer Milam but it was still over a month before copies of Panama City Blues were available. In an October 2011 interview, Larry talks about how this first version of Panama City Blues came about.
Larry had a hit song and now he needed some trousers for his group of young rock and roll stars. The Birmingham Liberty factory was making some pegged pants called Skeets that were just the thing for outfitting Larry and the Loafers. Larry needed some skeets and Liberty needed a commercial that would inspire their teenage customers. So Larry and the Loafers recorded "Skeets are Neat" that became a hit on its own. Check it out on YouTube and don't miss Larry in his custom-made Skeets with gold and sliver threads!
Over his career Larry has has recorded on Heart Records, Ed Boutwell Studios in Birmingham, with musicians Ronnie Eades, Barry Beckett, Glen Lane, and the ‘Roulettes’, Bill Lowery and Master Sounds Studio in Atlanta where he wrote and recorded “Let’s Go to the Beach” (co-written by Emery Gordy who later produced for the group Alabama and played with the Atlanta band ‘St. John and the Cardinals’, and Fame Recording Studio in Memphis with producer Sonny Limbo where he joined the ‘Hombres’, Booker T. Jones, and the ‘Memphis Strings’ and recorded “Sunshine” and “Paper Man”. His songs have been reissued on a number of collector compilations including The Best Of Greasy Rock 'N' Roll, Teenage Time and The Big Itch.
Check out Larry and the Loafers official website: http://www.larryandtheloafers.com/
Larry Parker's complete bio is here http://www.alabamamusicoffice.com/artists-a-z/p/866-parker-larry-larry-and-the-loafers
Check out the more of the interview with Larry at Alabama Music Office's YouTube channel. http://www.youtube.com/user/alabamamusicoffice
Special thanks to Larry Parker and Birmingham Record Collectors.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
"An Evening of American Music" on Friday October 14th 2011
The Green Bar in Tuscaloosa will be hosting "An Evening of American Music" on Friday October 14th as part of the University of Alabama American Studies Department's 50th Anniversary celebration. Tuscaloosa's own Midnight Mayor, Craig "Sweet Dog" Pickering put together the show for the AMS Undergraduate Club. It will feature AMS All-Stars – Alumni & Friends as well as gospel great Reverend John Wilkins (son of the legendary blues and gospel musician Robert Wilkins); Louisiana's Jay Chevalier who is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and was named “Official State Troubadour” by an act of the Louisiana Legislature in 2006.
Michael Hurtt and his Haunted Hearts are a favorite of everyone from Lazy Lester to the late, great Hunter S. Thompson, the Haunted Hearts convened in 2003 with the sole purpose of single-handedly resurrecting New Orleans' once rich, now nearly invisible hillbilly music heritage. The Haunted Hearts will follow Reverend Wilkins and will back up Jay Chevalier.
Thanks to the American Studies Department this event is free of charge! Green Bar is located at 2209 4th St, Tuscaloosa, AL
Here's the schedule:
8:00pm – AMS All-Stars – Alumni & Friends
8:30pm – Reverend John Wilkins
9:30pm– The Haunted Hearts
10:15pm – Jay Chevalier
More Information on the artists:
Reverend John Wilkins
Michael Hurtt and His Haunted Hearts
Jay Chevalier
Michael Hurtt and his Haunted Hearts are a favorite of everyone from Lazy Lester to the late, great Hunter S. Thompson, the Haunted Hearts convened in 2003 with the sole purpose of single-handedly resurrecting New Orleans' once rich, now nearly invisible hillbilly music heritage. The Haunted Hearts will follow Reverend Wilkins and will back up Jay Chevalier.
Thanks to the American Studies Department this event is free of charge! Green Bar is located at 2209 4th St, Tuscaloosa, AL
Here's the schedule:
8:00pm – AMS All-Stars – Alumni & Friends
8:30pm – Reverend John Wilkins
9:30pm– The Haunted Hearts
10:15pm – Jay Chevalier
More Information on the artists:
Reverend John Wilkins
Michael Hurtt and His Haunted Hearts
Jay Chevalier
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Announcing the launch of Vinyl Showdown
Many Tuscaloosans and passers-through remember the Vinyl Solution record store as a great place to hang out with friends and listen to records for nearly 25 years. In that spirit George and I have teamed up as DJ's Zeus the Rock and Roll God and Tom Kat Kitten and we'll be spinning some of our fav vinyl gems at Egan's Bar for your listening and dancing pleasure.
Check our new blog Vinyl Showdown to find out more about what we're laying down and for gig dates in Central Alabama!
Check our new blog Vinyl Showdown to find out more about what we're laying down and for gig dates in Central Alabama!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Vinyl Riot on the Strip - August 19
George and I will be spinning some of our fave garage, rockabilly, and hillbilly bop records Thursday night at Egan's starting around 10:30 PM.
Plus check out the premier performance of Tuscaloosa's raunch and roll band, The Original Shake Charmers featuring Ronnie Lee Gipson on guitar, Big Jim Parker on saxophone, Michael Ray on drums and Jeff Waites on bass.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Dale Beavers @ Egan's in Tuscaloosa April 29
Dale Beavers, Duende and Christian Beshore will be puttin' on a show at Egan's in Tuscaloosa on Thursday, April 29, 2010.
Dale Beavers
The child of a Honky Tonk bar owner and a Baptist piano player, Arkansas born Dale "The Polecat" Beavers was raised knowing the differences between sin & redemption and has been dealing with the conflicts of it ever since. His musical travels have found him playing & recording with blues, soul and rock-n-roll legends such as Junior Kimbrough, Dale Hawkins and Nathaniel Mayer. He now calls Michigan home and recently was named best blues artist in Real Detroit Weekly
-http://smashintransistors.blogspot.com
For more info on Dale go to:Myspace Facebook
Duende
"You're in for a wild Western psychedelic sonic ride thru the streets of Detroit when DUENDE! takes the stage. This Motor City five have been taking their show on the road and introducing others to their brand of dark Americana rock"
- Detroit's CITYFEST performers guide 2008
For more info on Duende go to:Myspace Facebook Twitter
Christian Beshore
Pennsylvania's Christian Beshore is a genre-bending One-Man-Band. Though the music is stripped down, with simple instrumentation, many don’t believe all that sound is coming from one person. You might call it Hound Dog Taylor meets Jack White. Or, Tom Waits’ and P.J. Harvey’s love child. With just his voice, a three string guitar, kick drum and hi-hat, his music stands firmly on its own.
-http://smashintransistors.blogspot.com
For more info on Christian Beshore go to:Christian's Website Myspace Facebook
They'll also be at the Mother in Law Lounge in New Orleans on April 30th, and at Murphy's in Memphis on May 1st.
Dale Beavers
The child of a Honky Tonk bar owner and a Baptist piano player, Arkansas born Dale "The Polecat" Beavers was raised knowing the differences between sin & redemption and has been dealing with the conflicts of it ever since. His musical travels have found him playing & recording with blues, soul and rock-n-roll legends such as Junior Kimbrough, Dale Hawkins and Nathaniel Mayer. He now calls Michigan home and recently was named best blues artist in Real Detroit Weekly -http://smashintransistors.blogspot.com
For more info on Dale go to:Myspace Facebook
Duende
"You're in for a wild Western psychedelic sonic ride thru the streets of Detroit when DUENDE! takes the stage. This Motor City five have been taking their show on the road and introducing others to their brand of dark Americana rock"- Detroit's CITYFEST performers guide 2008
For more info on Duende go to:Myspace Facebook Twitter
Christian Beshore
Pennsylvania's Christian Beshore is a genre-bending One-Man-Band. Though the music is stripped down, with simple instrumentation, many don’t believe all that sound is coming from one person. You might call it Hound Dog Taylor meets Jack White. Or, Tom Waits’ and P.J. Harvey’s love child. With just his voice, a three string guitar, kick drum and hi-hat, his music stands firmly on its own.-http://smashintransistors.blogspot.com
For more info on Christian Beshore go to:Christian's Website Myspace Facebook
They'll also be at the Mother in Law Lounge in New Orleans on April 30th, and at Murphy's in Memphis on May 1st.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Man, That Was A Crazy Date
December 11 - December 18 2012
Crazy Teens, Dave Reynolds Crazy Date Silent Auction to Benefit Norton Records!!
Read about it here: http://alabamalama.sylviaparker.net/2012/12/silent-auction-benefit-for-norton.html
The Crazy Teens. Left to Right: Dave Reynolds (standing with guitar); Ronnie Foster (kneeling with guitar); Billy Ward (at drums); James Farris (standing); and James Jones (clapping).
In 1959, a group of Tuscaloosa, Alabama teenagers recorded a song called "Crazy Date". Though it was never more than a regional hit, a lot of people agree that the song deserves its place in rock and roll history. Inspired by Chuck Berry’s "No Money Down", Dave Reynolds had written the song at the age of 13, and then his sister, Jeanne came up with the lyrics while they were living in Miami, Florida.
Besides Chuck Berry, Dave was especially influenced by Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters and Count Basie at the time, and he was musically inclined from an early age. Dave started out playing bass fiddle, and then the ukulele before turning to the guitar; at the time of "Crazy Date" he played a Gibson ES 125 guitar with a single pickup.
After the family moved to Tuscaloosa, Dave started looking around for other musicians to play with and found guitarist, James Farris; guitarist, Ronnie Foster; and drummer, Billy Ward. Dave’s father, William Neville Reynolds, supported his son’s musical efforts not only by encouraging him to start a band and driving him to rehearsals and gigs but by paying for the recording and pressing of "Crazy Date".
1956 Advertisement for Scott Recording Laboratory.
Dave’s dad went to the phonebook and found the Scott Recording Laboratory, located at the Tuscaloosa airport (which Dave remembers as resembling a living room) where he booked the session. James Jones, who was not a regular member, joined them to play bass for the recording of "Crazy Date"(click to hear Crazy Date). When the A Side was taken care of they realized they needed a song for the other side. So Dave wrote the B Side instrumental “Rebel Boogie”(click to hear Rebel Boogie) on the spot at the recording session. Finally, they needed a name. Since they were recording "Crazy Date", and they were all teenagers, the guys decided that the band should be named "Crazy Teens", and the recording was sent to MGM for pressing.
Lables from a record formerly owned by Jean Lake.
Dave recalls that 500 45 rpm single records were made. The band members kept 200 and 300 were sold. They promoted "Crazy Date" at the WTBC radio station (which was on 15th Street across from Horne’s BBQ - now Mike and Ed’s BBQ). The 45 was sold at a 5 & 10 store in the Leland Shopping Center in east Tuscaloosa. It was instantly a local hit that sold 50 copies on the first day it was out, and Dave went on to be voted most popular boy in 9th grade. He still worked a job at a filling station, but was able to earn most of his money by playing music at talent shows, dances and skating rinks.
Dave Reynolds, circa "Crazy Date".
Over the years Dave has played in other rock and roll and jazz bands including Alabama Cavaliers, the Furys, the Starlighters (who he recorded an LP with), and the Spooks as well as gospel groups and the country band, Endless Highway. He was a member of Salt and Pepper, one of the first integrated bands in Alabama, who played shows at the University of Alabama, the Citizen’s Club, the 61 Club in Tuscaloosa and throughout the Southeast.
"Crazy Date" has since been reissued on the "Sin Alley 1" LP compilation (1986) on the Crypt record label and on a Norton Records 45 single. As a result, the song got introduced to a new adoring audience and spawned cover versions by bands including Ray Condo and his Hardrock Gonners, The Hellhounds, The Senders, Speedball Baby, Ted & The Tall Tops, Thee Hamstrz and the Tri-Tones.
Dave now plays the bass and is a mentor for young musicians at Shelton State Community College, and he still sees fellow "Crazy Teens" James Farris and Ronnie Foster from time to time. He no longer plays the guitar, or consequently, "Crazy Date" but he does keep an ear out for cover versions by other groups. And, 50 years later, they’re still coming. Though, nothin’ beats that original craaazy song recorded by five teenagers at the Tuscaloosa airport!
A very special thank you to Dave Reynolds and his daughter, Susan Reynolds, who interviewed her father and provided copies of vintage photos. Special thanks to Billy Miller and Miriam Linna of Kicks magazine and Norton Records, Tim Warren for his article on Dave Reynolds in Kicks #6, George Hadjidakis and Lori Watts.
Crazy Teens, Dave Reynolds Crazy Date Silent Auction to Benefit Norton Records!!
Read about it here: http://alabamalama.sylviaparker.net/2012/12/silent-auction-benefit-for-norton.html
The Crazy Teens. Left to Right: Dave Reynolds (standing with guitar); Ronnie Foster (kneeling with guitar); Billy Ward (at drums); James Farris (standing); and James Jones (clapping).
In 1959, a group of Tuscaloosa, Alabama teenagers recorded a song called "Crazy Date". Though it was never more than a regional hit, a lot of people agree that the song deserves its place in rock and roll history. Inspired by Chuck Berry’s "No Money Down", Dave Reynolds had written the song at the age of 13, and then his sister, Jeanne came up with the lyrics while they were living in Miami, Florida.
Besides Chuck Berry, Dave was especially influenced by Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters and Count Basie at the time, and he was musically inclined from an early age. Dave started out playing bass fiddle, and then the ukulele before turning to the guitar; at the time of "Crazy Date" he played a Gibson ES 125 guitar with a single pickup.
After the family moved to Tuscaloosa, Dave started looking around for other musicians to play with and found guitarist, James Farris; guitarist, Ronnie Foster; and drummer, Billy Ward. Dave’s father, William Neville Reynolds, supported his son’s musical efforts not only by encouraging him to start a band and driving him to rehearsals and gigs but by paying for the recording and pressing of "Crazy Date".
1956 Advertisement for Scott Recording Laboratory.
Dave’s dad went to the phonebook and found the Scott Recording Laboratory, located at the Tuscaloosa airport (which Dave remembers as resembling a living room) where he booked the session. James Jones, who was not a regular member, joined them to play bass for the recording of "Crazy Date"(click to hear Crazy Date). When the A Side was taken care of they realized they needed a song for the other side. So Dave wrote the B Side instrumental “Rebel Boogie”(click to hear Rebel Boogie) on the spot at the recording session. Finally, they needed a name. Since they were recording "Crazy Date", and they were all teenagers, the guys decided that the band should be named "Crazy Teens", and the recording was sent to MGM for pressing.
Lables from a record formerly owned by Jean Lake.
Dave recalls that 500 45 rpm single records were made. The band members kept 200 and 300 were sold. They promoted "Crazy Date" at the WTBC radio station (which was on 15th Street across from Horne’s BBQ - now Mike and Ed’s BBQ). The 45 was sold at a 5 & 10 store in the Leland Shopping Center in east Tuscaloosa. It was instantly a local hit that sold 50 copies on the first day it was out, and Dave went on to be voted most popular boy in 9th grade. He still worked a job at a filling station, but was able to earn most of his money by playing music at talent shows, dances and skating rinks.
Dave Reynolds, circa "Crazy Date".
Over the years Dave has played in other rock and roll and jazz bands including Alabama Cavaliers, the Furys, the Starlighters (who he recorded an LP with), and the Spooks as well as gospel groups and the country band, Endless Highway. He was a member of Salt and Pepper, one of the first integrated bands in Alabama, who played shows at the University of Alabama, the Citizen’s Club, the 61 Club in Tuscaloosa and throughout the Southeast.
"Crazy Date" has since been reissued on the "Sin Alley 1" LP compilation (1986) on the Crypt record label and on a Norton Records 45 single. As a result, the song got introduced to a new adoring audience and spawned cover versions by bands including Ray Condo and his Hardrock Gonners, The Hellhounds, The Senders, Speedball Baby, Ted & The Tall Tops, Thee Hamstrz and the Tri-Tones.
Dave now plays the bass and is a mentor for young musicians at Shelton State Community College, and he still sees fellow "Crazy Teens" James Farris and Ronnie Foster from time to time. He no longer plays the guitar, or consequently, "Crazy Date" but he does keep an ear out for cover versions by other groups. And, 50 years later, they’re still coming. Though, nothin’ beats that original craaazy song recorded by five teenagers at the Tuscaloosa airport!
A very special thank you to Dave Reynolds and his daughter, Susan Reynolds, who interviewed her father and provided copies of vintage photos. Special thanks to Billy Miller and Miriam Linna of Kicks magazine and Norton Records, Tim Warren for his article on Dave Reynolds in Kicks #6, George Hadjidakis and Lori Watts.
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