U. P. country acts delivered 45s

This publicity photo was issued
to promote a 45 rpm single Hoot Roberts
released on Choco Records, a label located
in Marquette.

By STEVE SEYMOUR

If you like 45 rpm singles as music collectibles, don't forget Upper Peninsula-based country artists.

Although many people may not be aware of it, a wealth of country & western talent cut seven-inch discs, beginning in the 1950s.

Many of the musicians lived in the central U. P. Marquette County boasted the Ramblers, Lane Dawson, Tiny Cochart and Hoot Roberts, while Delta County acts issuing singles included Denny Peltier, the Coppertones and Lorraine Irving.

Ishpeming's Ramblers played what their hometown fans wanted to hear, including polkas and waltzes, so they may not precisely fit into into the "country" category, but they did blaze the way with a pair of 45s issued more than 50 years ago.

Released in 1957, "The Michigan Waltz" featured lead vocals by Jeanneane Adamini, while the instrumental flip side was called "The Raindrop Polka." The follow-up single, issued in 1958, highlighted "I Should Be the First to Know," written by Jeanneane, while Ray Adamini composed the reverse, "I Bet'cha." The singles carried custom Rambler Records labels.

I met Lane Dawson, meanwhile, on a motorcoach. The "singing bus driver," as he was known, transported a large group of Yoopers to a convention in Lansing in the early 1980s. True to form, he enthralled passengers with his singing ability.

Drummer Jim DeCaire, now leader of Da Yoopers, described Dawson as a "cross between Roy Orbison and young Marlon Brando." Dawson worked as a traveling musician as well as a radio engineer and announcer.

Dawson's recording career began with a single cut for Cuca Records in Sauk City, Wis. in April, 1967. Credited to the Dawson Boys, "Black Mountain Rag" featured Fiddling Tommy Mason. Two more 45s, "The Dock of the Bay" and "Green Green Grass of Home," were credited to Lane Dawson and the Dawson Boys. The tracks, appearing on Cathay Records, were produced by none other than Buck Owens.

Dawson was credited as a solo artist on another Cathay disc, "It's All So Wrong." His take on "Stolen Moments" was issued by Clark Records in Goodlettsville, Tenn., while "Caterpillar Man" was released on the Nuggett Records label.

Born Norbert Cochart, in Algoma, Wis., the six-foot three-inch, 250-pound country musician known as "Tiny" Cochart spent decades in the music business. Falling in love with the area after playing a gig in Ishpeming, Cochart re-located to Marquette from Nashville in 1970. In Marquette, he organized the Tiny Cochart Night Riders which played night clubs around the country.

Before he retired in 2005, Cochart worked with such stars as Tex Ritter, Waylon Jennings, Merle Travis, Johnny Cash, Jim Ed Brown and Dottie West.

I'm lucky enough to own his second single, "Alone Again," recorded at Cuca Records in Sept., 1965. In the 1970s, he recorded an LP at Studio One in Nashville. Containing cover songs and two originals, "One More Drink" and "Let Me Live Again," the album was credited to Tiny C. Hart.

Two Marquette record labels also issued country 45s. Choco Records Inc. released "The King Has Fallen," backed with "Invitation to the Blues," by Hoot Roberts. I also own a second record by the country performer, "Little Bird," which appeared on Dare Records, based in Montgomery, Ala. Roberts, who resided in Merrill, Wis. died in the late 1960s.

Princeton Records, meanwhile, issued a single by "Country" Tommy James, not to be confused with the Tommy James who recorded dozens of pop hits, including "Hanky Panky." Described as a one-man band, James recorded "Auctioneer," a Leroy Van Dyke song; and "A Thousand Miles to Go," composed by Mel Tillis and Webb Pierce. The songs were taped at Superior Recording Co. in Marquette.

At the same time, Delta County's country musicians were busy recording, too. Denny Peltier waxed a single for Comet Records, "I'm From Georgia, That's All," written by Gene Taft. The flip, "It's Almost Midnight," was composed by Larry G. Whitehead. Comet Records were distributed by Goldmont Music, headquartered in Nashville. Peltier now lives in Newberry.

Escanaba radio personalty Wayne Nault produced two records for the Coppertones, comprised of Mike Kadletz, Larry Deno and Bradley Gleason. One of the releases, appearing on Rapid Records, was actually an extended play disc containing four songs. Side one includes "Six Days on the Road" and "If You Leave Me Tonight," while side two features "Polka Medley" and the instrumental favorite, "Wipe Out," originally a hit for the Surfaris in 1963.

The Coppertones' other disc has "Coquette," featuring Joe Micheau on steel, comprising side one. The flip, "Wedding Bells," written by Claude Boone, spotlights vocals by Kadletz, a former member of the Rhythm Rockers. Composed by Johnny Green, Carmen Lombardo and Gus Kahn, "Coquette" was recorded by Guy Lombardo in 1928 and covered by Fats Domino 30 years later.

The late Lorraine Irving of Escanaba recorded a pair of songs manufactured on 45 by Queensgate Records of Cincinnati, Ohio. Irving sang a cover version of Jean Shepard's "If You Were Losing Him to Me" as the A side, while the B side is called "Just Married," clocking in at a brief 1:50. Although Marty Robbins recorded a song with the same title, Irving's song is a different composition.

Other U. P. women also issued 45s which grace my collection.

Former Delta County resident Helen DeBaker released a single on the Bakersfield label, a division of Global Record Co. "Burning Flame" and "The Man Upstairs" were produced by Mike Johnson in Nashville. DeBaker wrote both songs which were registered to Saralee Music Publishing.

Likewise, Ruthie Hall recorded a pair of songs for Collins Records, located in Sault Ste. Marie. Her disc is comprised of "Sing Me a Love Song Where Nobody Cries," written and produced by Joe Bob Barnhill, and "Until You Give Her Up, I'm Not Giving In." The latter, composed by Jim Vest and David Chamberlain, was also produced by Barnhill. My copy is also autographed, "Ruthie."

I also own several country 45s under the "U. P. Music" imprint. With a plain light blue label, one disc contains "You Look Well" and "Days In The Park," written and performed by Fred Bergeron.

The other record, with a yellow label, contains the slogan "Nashville of the North" and a contorted outline of the U. P. The 45 plays the Lance Hill recordings of "Riding in a Dump Truck" and "In the Back of My Mind." Both tracks were composed by U. P. songwriter and radio host Elmer Aho.

As you can probably tell, I've collected quite a few U. P.-related country singles over the years. It was fun looking through them again and spinning a few along the way. While none gained massive popularity, those records provide a tuneful insight into the region's unique and varied music heritage.

U. P. groups on 'legends' ballot

Fans crowded the stage at Daniel's Den
in Saginaw when the Excels, a popular Marquette-based
rock band, made an appearance in 1966. The Excels
are among the Upper Peninsula acts included on
the 2009 ballot for an on-line Hall of Fame at
Michigan Rock and Roll Legends.

By STEVE SEYMOUR

Vintage Upper Peninsula rock bands have long been overlooked when to comes to recognizing acts which have contributed to the state's musical heritage.

It may be true that no northern Michigan group had the impact of Alice Cooper, Bob Seger or Grand Funk Railroad.

Still, a case may be made that U. P. groups have been ignored simply because they came from the state's sparsely populated northern counties.

Now, U. P. music fans have an opportunity to help correct this omission.

Fifteen of the region's best 1960's era bands-- and a talented solo performer-- are included on the 2009 ballot for Michigan Rock and Roll Legends, an on-line Hall of Fame conceived by Gary Johnson.

"The idea for Michigan Rock and Roll Legends came from a proposal that I wrote for an actual physical museum project in downtown Bay City," said Johnson, who lives in nearby Essexville. He thought tourists would flock to a music museum located in Madonna's hometown.

"Unfortunately, the powers-that-be didn't care much for the idea, so I went ahead and put together an on-line version," Johnson, a retired school teacher, explained.

Seventeen acts were inducted into the 2005 class during voting held at rock and roll trivia shows Johnson ran in Bay City. During on-line voting in the three succeeding years an additional 17 performers have been cited. Most of Michigan's best-known stars have already won places in Johnson's virtual Hall of Fame.

This year's honorees are the Amboy Dukes ("Journey to the Center of the Mind"); Brownsville Station ("Smokin' in the Boys Room"); Frost (Alpena's most famous rock group); Stooges (including punk rocker Iggy Pop); and Terry Knight and the Pack (predecessor to Grand Fund Railroad).

The U. P. groups on the ballot include Renaissance Fair and Rob Kirk and the Word from Sault Ste. Marie; Danny and the Galaxies from Ironwood; and the Benders, featuring Menominee's Gerry Cain. The Copper Country is represented by the Vigilantes, Henchmen VI, the Kinetics (Kinetic Energy); and the Rhythm Rockers. Dickinson County bands on the ballot include Joey Gee and the Blue Tones; Lexington Project and the Ravelles. Escanaba's Riot Squad and Prophets of Doom are named as are the Fastells from Negaunee and the Excels from Marquette. Clark Sullivan, lead singer for the Excels, is also nominated as a solo artist.

All the U. P. combos issued 45 rpm records during their careers and were active during an era in which Baby Boomers demanded new music and encouraged local acts to reach for their dreams of rock stardom. Many of these bands were popular well beyond the confines of the U. P. and have recordings highly regarded by collectors today.

To get elected to Michigan Rock and Roll Legends, the upper Michigan groups are competing against hundreds of bands from lower Michigan. So, does an Upper Peninsula act have any chance of being inducted?

"I certainly hope that a U. P. act will be voted in," Johnson, also known as Dr. J., said.

In the context of Michigan rock and roll history, which includes the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and the Supremes, an outfit comprised of teenage boys from rural northern Michigan probably doesn't stand much of a chance.

"Speaking for myself, I was pretty much unaware of the Upper Peninsula artists. The only act I was familiar with was the Excels," Johnson told me.

Although they were based in Marquette, the Excels cut five 45 rpm singles for Detroit's Carla Records under the tutelage of influential producer Ollie McLaughlin. Their song, "Little Innocent Girl, did well on many lower Michigan radio stations including WTRU, Muskegon; WVMO, Monroe; and WKNX, Saginaw.


Terry Knight and the Pack

"If there was a teen club in the lower peninsula, we played it," recalled Clark Sullivan, the group's lead singer. "A few memorable ones were Daniel's Den in Saginaw, the Tanz Haus in Traverse City, and the Roostertail in Detroit. These were the clubs where we would alternate dates with some of Michigan's top groups such as Bob Seger, Terry Knight and the Pack, and the Bossmen, led by Dick Wagner, later Alice Cooper's guitarist. And, there was a group called the Mushrooms, with a guy named Glen Frey, who went on to stardom with the Eagles."

Following the demise of the Excels, Sullivan continued working with McLaughlin, taping material in New York City.

To be eligible for the on-line Hall of Fame, an artist must have started their career in Michigan, or be a native or resident, and have a record which received AM or FM radio airplay prior to 1988.

Besides the Excels, other U. P.-based rock bands also had significant musical accomplishments, which might have escaped the notice of lower Michigan music fans.

Take the Vigilantes, for example. This group of high school friends from Ontonagon recorded at least ten 45 rpm singles under various names for a variety of labels. Led by vocalist Jim Brogan, they also recorded as the All Nighters, the Flagmen, the Lovers, Pastels and Playboys. Rare for the time, they issued an LP called "Live at the Barn," credited to the All Nighters.

The same basic band backed-up for singles by Jay Johnson, Richard Parker and Johnny Tucker. In addition, Brogran taped a 7-incher under the name Jimmy B and the Rockatones.

Another act which gained considerable notoriety outside the U. P. was the Kinetic Energy, fronted by Frank Gallis. Based in Houghton, the group was also known as the Kinetics and Five Kinetics. They cut a pair of singles, including "Susie Q," and a frenetic LP of cover songs called "Snow Children."

The other U. P. acts on the 2009 Michigan Rock and Roll Legends ballot also have compelling stories.

On-line voters have already given favorable nods to many of Michigan's greatest rock stars, including the Temptations, Mitch Ryder, Del Shannon, Aretha Franklin and Madonna.

Johnson's mission statement declares: "Michigan Rock and Roll Legends is a web site dedicated to the artists and music that are part of Michigan's rich and diverse rock and roll legacy. In order to help promote and preserve this vital aspect of the cultural history of our state, Michigan Rock and Roll Legends was created. It is hoped that the site will not only give recognition to artists who were important contributors to the rock and roll movement, but will also help keep the spirit of Michigan music burning bright."

To be elected, a nominee must be included on one-third of all on-line ballots, Johnson said. Voters name their top ten choices.

Balloting for the 2009 class begins Jan. 1 at the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends website.

Since the 15 northern-most counties contain just three percent of the state's population, the numbers are against an Upper Peninsula act being elected. Still, getting representation in the on-line Hall of Fame would remind music fans that Upper Peninsula acts created a vital chapter in the history of Michigan rock and roll.

If you agree, cast your ballot at michiganrockandrolllegends.com and ask your friends to do the same.

TV aided careers of U. P. bands

A WLUC-TV6 camera operator, at left, captured a
performance by Ontonagon's Henchmen VI rock band during
a March of Dimes Telethon circa 1967.

By STEVE SEYMOUR

While many people may remember seeing their favorite rock acts on Dick Clark's nationally-broadcast American Bandstand television program during the 1960s, Upper Peninsula bands also used TV to further their careers during the same period.

Escanaba-based Prophets of Doom and the Riot Squad increased their exposure in northern Michigan by performing on a telethon aired by WLUC-TV Channel 6 in Marquette, as did other rock bands, including the Henchmen VI, from the Copper Country.

Television publicity wasn't limited to the U. P., either. Iron Mountain's Ravelles performed on a Minnesota station, while the Excels, headquartered in Marquette, appeared on a pair of popular rock 'n' roll TV programs.

Prophets of Doom and the Riot Squad appeared live on the March of Dimes Telethon on Sunday, Jan. 29, 1967. Part of a national charity drive, the event actually started at 10 o'clock the previous evening.

"Back then, being on television was like being a celebrity," recalled Jim Joque, rhythm guitarist and founding member of the Riot Squad.

The band, including drummer Dan Curran, bassist Bob Anzalone, lead guitarist Brendan Williams and Greg Curran on keyboards and vocals, was slated for a 2:50 p.m. performance.

"I remember being excited yet anxious about being on television. To my knowledge, none of us had been on TV. This was a first time experience for us," Joque said.

"I really don't remember the songs we played. It may have only been one or two numbers," Joque recalled.

"My parents and siblings all supported our band and my music involvement. I recall that when I returned home, they were all excited and talked about our appearance. Friends of the band and our manager, Gene Smiltneck, were excited about it as well."

Joque added: "I do recall heading out the back door of the studio and walking right into one of the Green Bay Packers who was appearing on the telethon as well."

The newly-crowned world championship Packers also played into the appearance of the newly-formed Prophets of Doom, who telethon organizers had scheduled to begin their set at 8:20 that morning.

"I talked the band into signing up for the telethon as soon as we knew a half dozen songs," said lead guitarist and singer Dave Watchorn. "I played on the telethon with my first band and I knew that it was the best way to get some bookings."

The band had been together for a few months and knew about 25 songs, although the newest member, keyboardist Jim Smith, was familiar with only eight. In fact, the group was so new that the telethon performance would be their first public appearance. "We practiced those eight songs over and over for our debut," Watchorn recalled.

The group traveling to the Negaunee television studio also included drummer Jim Nelson, guitarist Mike Steede and bassist Calvin Rose.

Expecting just to play two songs, the Prophets of Doom ended up performing all eight of the tunes they practiced. With the phones ringing off the hook, they were then asked to do another number for a donation of $50. The pledger wanted to see the "Packers' 'Golden Girl' dance with a certain person and one of the Packers dance with one of the telethon staff," Watchorn remembered.

The group performed the tune with Smith feigning his keyboard parts because he didn't know the song. Nobody seemed the wiser, including the cameraman who focused on the organ player, much to the band's amusement, Watchorn added.

While fledgling rock groups were eager to appear on television, the presence of local acts on such programs also increased the number of viewers from various communities around the U. P. This fact was not lost on WLUC-TV which even bought newspaper advertisements to promote the March of Dimes program.

Dozens of music groups appeared on the telethon over the years, including the Henchmen VI. Based in Ontonagon, the group gained notoriety by recording a 45 rpm single of original material for Cuca Records of Sauk City, WI. The Henchmen VI may have performed "Is Love Real?" and "All Of The Day" during a telethon appearance, circa 1967. A short performance clip of the group is contained on the WLUC-TV documentary, "Lights, Camera, Action," celebrating the station's 50th anniversary. Featuring songwriter Scott Heinske on lead guitar and vocals, the Henchmen VI also included Joe DeHut (rhythm guitar), Bob Durant (drums), Art Moilenen (bass), Jay Jackson (drums) and Jeff Jackson (tambourine).

Iron Mountain's Ravelles found themselves on television after cutting a single for Illinois-based Mobie Records in 1968. "Psychedelic Movement" climbed to No. 13 in Fargo, N. D.and earned the band a booking there on Nov. 22. The next day the band played their hit on Teen Beat '69, a program which aired at noon Saturdays on KCMT-TV Channel 7 in Alexandria, Minn. Lead singer Carmella Altobelli had a cold but still did a great job singing, said rhythm guitarist John Richtig. Other members of the Ravelles included Tom Lucas (lead guitar), Ray Broullire (bass), Rand Alquist (drums), and brother Brian Alquist (keyboards).

The Excels, a popular Marquette-based group with five 45 rpm singles to their credit, performed on a pair of significant television programs during their career.


Robin Seymour

Drummer Steve Contardi recalled the Excels promoted their first single on Robin Seymour's Swingin' Time program on CKLW-TV in Windsor, Ontario. The Excels lip-synched "Gonna Make You Mine, Girl," written by vocalist Clark Sullivan, on the show which featured 50 to 75 local kids demonstrating the latest dances. Other members of the Excels at this time were Terry Quirk (guitar), Ken Forrest (keyboards) and Carl Holm (bass).

Spanky and Our Gang, noteworthy for "Sunday Will Never Be The Same," performed on the same episode. Similar to American Bandstand, Swingin' Time was broadcast six days a week and spotlighted such acts as the Supremes, Mitch Ryder, Bob Seger and the MC5.

An additional television appearance came in Cleveland when the Excels were featured on an early rock 'n' roll variety show called Upbeat which originated on ABC affiliate WESW-TV. Hosted by Don Webster, Upbeat included a live audience and was syndicated to 100 television stations at its peak, including outlets in New York, San Francisco, Boston and Dallas.

Webster's program featured regional groups such as the GTO's, James Gang and Outsiders, but also showcased dozens of top acts including the Beatles, Otis Redding and Simon & Garfunkel. The show even had "go-go girls" when that fad was popular.

Whether on a local, regional or national level, rock 'n' roll and television developed a symbiotic relationship in the 1960s which continues to today.

Rock bands toured U. P. in '66

This custom poster publicized a 1966 tour
of the Upper Peninsula which included the Buckinghams,
Luv'd Ones, Excels and Ravelles.


By STEVE SEYMOUR

A week-long tour of the Upper Peninsula by four rock acts in 1966 was thought to be a surefire success, but instead the event slipped into obscurity.

Called "U. P. Swings" by promoters, the tour was headlined by Chicago's Buckinghams and featured an all-girl combo from lower Michigan called the Luv'd Ones. To add local appeal, the bill also included Marquette's popular Excels and the Ravelles, an up and coming band from Iron Mountain.

The shows were promoted by Don Cooper and Dale Chenoweth who ran a teen center in Iron Mountain and regularly hired the Ravelles for dances at the local armory which drew hundreds of teenagers.

Also a popular draw at dances in northern Michigan, the Excels had signed a recording contract with Detroit's Carla Records, owned by influential producer Ollie McLaughlin.


Chicago's Buckinghams were depicted in this
early promotional photo used during the "U. P. Swings" tour.

Top of the bill was anchored by the Buckinghams, a Windy City group getting massive airplay on WLS, a giant 50,000 watt radio station which easily reached into the U. P. with a teen-friendly rock 'n' roll format.

The Buckinghams were a client of the Willard Alexander Agency, which also represented the Luv'd Ones, led by guitar virtuoso Char Vinnedge. Vinnedge's band, based in downstate Niles, had played Escanaba earlier in the year.

The talent package was tied together by lower Michigan disc jockey and well-known radio personality Bill Eberline, who for contractual reasons was referred to as Bill Berline.

Looking to pack their venues, the promoters took out newspaper advertising and distributed posters prior to the tour. The poster, picturing all four groups, promised three hours of entertainment for ages 6-60 for a $2 admission fee. The event was sponsored by Teen Promotions, P. O. Box 63, Iron Mountain.

The tour represented the first time the Buckinghams performed in the U. P., singer and guitarist Carl Giammarese told me in a telephone interview on June 19, 2008.

The trek's initial stop took place on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at the fairgrounds in Norway, a Dickinson County location aimed to capitalize on the Ravelles' fan base. Indeed, the show drew a good crowd, Rand Alquist, the band's drummer, recalled. Lead singer Carmella Altobelli, remembered the audience was especially receptive to their version of Napoleon XIV's "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!," during which keyboard player Brian Alquist jumped out from a box while on stage.

Although the Ravelles didn't have a 45 rpm record to promote, the other bands did. Released on Carla Records, the Excels' first single was a solid rocker called "Gonna Make You Mine, Girl." The Luv'd Ones were promoting "I'm Leaving You," issued on the Dunwich label, while the Buckinghams had released an appealing take on "I Call Your Name," a Lennon-McCartney number, on USA.

On Wednesday, Aug. 10, the tour stopped at the Escanaba High School gym, but the crowd was less than stellar. On Aug. 11, the groups travelled to Sault Ste. Marie's Pullar Stadium. The eastern U. P. ice skating facility, which was often crowded for teen dances, did not fill up on this occasion.

Then, on Aug. 12 the bands piled into their vans and cars and drove 369 miles to the peninsula's western-most city to perform at the Ironwood Theatre. Despite the talented line-up and the venue's elaborate Italian renaissance decor, attendance was disappointing. Still, Tom Lucas, lead guitar player for the Ravelles, took the opportunity to preserve the evening's performance on tape.

While the Buckinghams were busy playing engagements in the Upper Peninsula, excitement was building in their hometown of Chicago over an appearance by the Beatles. The famous British quartet set Aug. 12 as the date they would begin their 1966 North American tour.

If two Chicago shows weren't enough to create an uproar, controversy surrounded the Beatles over a comment John Lennon made about the group's popularity. Months before, Lennon had commented in the London Evening Standard on the current status of religion, surmising the Beatles were more popular than Jesus.

Although Lennon's statements were taken out of context in the United States, he apologized profusely during two press conferences.

Despite the political firestorm, 13,000 screaming fans attended each of the two shows, where the Beatles played old songs but nothing from their newest album, "Revolver." The warm-up acts were Barry Tashian and the Remains, Bobby Hebb, the Cyrkle, and the Ronettes.

Meanwhile, back in northern Michigan, the final date of the "U. P. Swings" tour came at Menominee High School on Saturday, Aug. 13. Turnout was lackluster, Rand Alquist recalled. Following the gig, the four bands went their separate ways.

In the end, the Upper Peninsula tour failed financially because not enough tickets were sold. "There were some long faces," Alquist remembered.

Still, band members have fond memories of the experience.

"The Buckinghams had the same sense of humor as the Excels and we tried to outdo each other with gags while each group was on stage," said Clark Sullivan, lead singer for the Excels.

At one stop, the Excels "found these custodial outfits in a closet with all the cleaning supplies, brooms and vacuums. During one of the Buckinghams' songs, we emerged from the wings of the stage dressed in these custodial uniforms and proceeded to clean the stage in back of the group. Everyone in the audience was thinking it was the custodians cleaning and they cracked up. The Buckinghams were performing one of their tear-jerker songs and couldn't understand why everyone was laughing," Sullivan remembered.

"Needless to say, they started contriving their payback. When we were performing, they held up placards directing the crowd not to clap, get up and walk toward the door and pretend to fall asleep," Sullivan added.

Steve Contardi, drummer for the Excels, also remembered the tour.

"This was a big deal for us because the Buckinghams were big on Chicago's WLS. So, here we were on the same stage with a group that was all over Top 40 radio. Although we had opened for a good number of big acts before, most of those shows were outside of the U. P., so our friends and neighbors had not seen us sharing the limelight with such headliners," Contardi said.

"The Buckinghams were fun guys and we had a good time with them off stage. There were also a few on-stage pranks, lots of great music and good fun," Contardi recalled.

"The Excels and Ravelles were each trying to claim our 'turf' at home in the U. P. We normally spent the summers almost exclusively in the lower peninsula. This tour gave us a chance to be home for that period," Contardi added.

Despite the antics, the Buckinghams' Giammarese remembered the groups taking the music quite seriously. "We were pretty focused," he said.

That the U. P. tour failed to generate significant crowds was disappointing enough, but Alquist said the Buckinghams also missed an opportunity to open for the Beatles during what became their last tour of America.

But, don't feel sorry for the Buckinghams. Just six months after their northern sojourn the band enjoyed a chart-topping hit with "Kind of a Drag." Six more hits followed, including "Don't You Care" and "Mercy Mercy Mercy."


Carl Giammarese, center, an original member
of the Buckinghams, reminisced about touring the Upper
Peninsula with Rand Alquist and Carmella Altobelli,
of the Ravelles.

In later years, the Buckinghams played more dates in northern Michigan, most recently in Kingsford last summer. After that show, Giammarese reminisced backstage with Alquist and Carmella Altobelli, both members of the Ravelles, about touring the U. P. all those years ago.

Joey Gee traces Blue Tones era

Vocalist Joe Giannunzio, using his professional name,
autographed this photograph of Joey Gee and the Blue
Tones. The Iron Mountain-based group, which also included Bill
Morrison, Craig Sorenson and Ricky Bates, recorded a 45 rpm
single at Cuca Records in 1964.

By STEVE SEYMOUR

Iron Mountain's Joe Giannunzio was an early rock 'n' roll enthusiast, fronting a band in the era before the Beatles inspired an explosion of fledgling pop groups.

Formed in the summer of 1963, the Bluetones were comprised of Bill Morrison, rhythm guitar; Craig Sorenson, lead guitar, Ricky Bates, drums; and Giannunzio, vocals. Bates was also from Iron Mountain, while the other two band members resided in neighboring Kingsford.

Their debut gig came during a dance at the Iron County Armory in Kingsford on Friday, July 26, 1963. On a poster for the event, the band was billed as the "Bluetones with singer Joey G." The vocalist's last name was reduced to a single letter "because there wasn't enough room on the poster for my full name. I later added a couple of e's and came up with Joey Gee," Giannunzio recalled.

Giannunzio drove to many early gigs in his 1958 Ford convertible, with band-mate Sorenson riding shotgun and a microphone in the backseat. "We did our entire show, including the PA for my voice, with just one Fender amp," Giannunzio remembered.

Targeting a young audience, the group also performed at the Tri-City Outdoor Theatre. On one Saturday in 1964 the band played during a program which also featured the movies "Beach Party" and "The Young Racers." For an admission fee of 85 cents, movie-goers also received free Beatles miniature novelty records, according to a newspaper advertisement.

To give the audience the best perspective, they played on the concession stand roof

The band also drew a record number of patrons during a performance at the Braumart Theater in Iron Mountain, Giannunzio said.

Managed by Frank Osteroth, the group grew in popularity. Soon, their attention was drawn to cutting a 45 rpm single. Giannunzio learned from the Fendermen about Cuca Record Corp., located near Madison. Jim Sundquist, a guitarist for the Fendermen, came from nearby Niagara, Wis. A few years before, the Fendermen had taped a record called "Muleskinner Blues" at Cuca. The song became an unexpected hit.

Giannunzio contacted Cuca for more information. Shortly after, he received a letter from Jim Kirchstein, owner of Cuca. "Please find enclosed our brochure 62A explaining a widely used recording program," Kirchstein wrote from the business at 123 Water St. in Sauk City, Wis.

So it was that Joey Gee and the Blue Tones found themselves in the recording studio in May, 1964. Giannunzio came armed with a song he wrote called "Little Searcher." The band recorded five takes of the original composition, one take of "Don't You Just Know It," written by Huey Piano Smith; and two takes of "Heartbreakin' Special," a tune recorded by the Fendermen in 1960.

"Don't You Just Know It," was chosen as the single's A side while the B side was occupied by "Little Searcher." The Bluetones' version of "Heartbreakin' Special" was never released.

The 45 rpm single was assigned number 6451 and appeared on the Cuca subsidiary label, Sara.

Joey Gee and the Blue Tones returned to the Upper Peninsula and waited. Kirchstein followed the recording session with a personal note to the group, telling them their records should arrive shortly. "Nice working with you. Good luck," the record executive wrote.

Finally, the big day came on June 17, 1964. Clairmont Transfer Co., headquartered in Escanaba, delivered three cartons of phonograph records, collecting a fee of $5.72. Although recorded in Wisconsin, the records were pressed by Kay Bank Recording Corp.of Minneapolis.

Giannunzio didn't wait long to bring one of the records to WMIQ, the only radio station in Iron Mounain. Disc jockey Dean Barry listened to both sides. The band liked "Little Searcher," but Barry thought "Don't You Just Know It" could be a hit. "He played that side the most," Giannunzio remembered.

"It was kind of a thrill riding through downtown Iron Mountain in my convertible and hearing those songs on the radio in other teens' cars. I aways kept a few of the 45s with me because people would want to buy them. Gave a lot away, too," the singer recalled.

The band set about a promotional campaign to get radio airplay outside their home base. Giannunzio drafted an introductory letter to radio stations, including a copy of the 45. "We are hoping this record will be a hit for us and we could use all the help you can give us. We would appreciate it very much if you would plug it for us on your station. We would appreciate your comment on our record. Thank you for the time you have taken to read this letter," said the typed document, signed by Giannunzio.

Major radio stations seldom played records that hadn't already generated some interest, so it was rather remarkable that Chicago powerhouse WLS paid any attention. Popular disc jockey Dick Biondi read Giannunzio's letter on the air and played the record, as well.

While Joey Gee and the Bluetones were meeting with some success on a regional level, Giannunzio decided to take a more pragmatic route to get on the airwaves. He moved to Milwaukee to attend broadcasting school at Career Academy.

In 1965, the broadcasting student put together another band in Milwaukee. Giannunzio handled lead vocals for Joey Gee and the Come-ons, but this time he also took on harmonica duties. They played around the southern Wisconsin area, even placing highly in a band of the bands contest..

And, true to form, Giannunzio made another trip to Cuca to record a second 45 rpm single in September.

This time, the band recorded four numbers. "She's Mean" and "You Know Till the End of Time" were paired as Sara 6599. Giannunzio composed and sang lead on both songs. In addition, they taped "Jenny, Jenny," a top ten smash for Little Richard in 1957, and "Little Latin Lupe Lu," a hit for the Righteous Brothers, Kingsmen and Mitch Ryder.

Unfortunately, Giannunzio's second single didn't ignite at radio either, although "She's Mean" has garnered many admirers over the years. Because 45s released on small independent labels lacked the distribution muscle, production values and promotional budgets of the major labels, such records rarely registered on the national charts.

Still, "She's Mean" and "You Know Till the End of Time" were featured on a 2005 compact disc collection called "Garage Beat '66," issued by Sundazed Music in 2005.

The two cover tunes Giannunzio and his band recorded at the 1965 session remained unreleased until 2006 when all four tracks appeared on a compilation compact disc, "The Cuca Records Story, Vol. 2," on Ace Records.

Returning to Michigan to pursue his radio career after graduating broadcasting school, Giannunzio continued to sing in bands in the northern lower peninsula and U. P. The Heathens lasted for a few months in 1966, while Gross National Product survived until 1968, when Giannunzio made a job change and decided to concentrate solely on radio.

Giannunzio also performed in the Detroit area for one memorable show, opening for Chubby Checker. Giannunzio was in the Motor City the same day as the Beatles played their last show in Michigan, at Olympia Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 13, 1966. "The Beatles where there at that time but I never had enough money to buy a ticket to see them. Sorry I didn't."

Following a lengthy radio career, Giannunzio returned to the Upper Peninsula last summer to play with his old band-mates during Kingsford's Hog Wild Music Jam. After more than four decades, Joey Gee and the Bluetones came full circle, performing a classic set, including "Little Searcher," their 1964 single.

Editor's note: Go to YouTube to see Joey Gee and the Blue Tones videos for "Little Searcher," "Alley Oop," and "Don't You Just Know It."