Take a look at these blurbs for the Caravans, and you know what I know. Robbie Rogers was a member and a champion drummer. Whatever that is, I'm pretty sure it was very cool in the day. The pics were gleaned from May 1967. The band is credited with being "State Champions in Rock & Roll". Must be some documentation on a feat such as this.
Who else was on the State Champs roster? Time to honor these guys. How many years did the state determine champs? Who were the "not winners". This could be interesting.
UPDATE:Bob Walterman, founding member of the Caravans has checked in with the skinny on the band.
"The band was formed in 1963,and the original name was Satans Angels. However since our first job was for the CYO of our local Catholic church we had to change our name to keep the job. As we were all musicians in the school band it was a natural step to form our own band. We worked very hard to hone our skills and the summer of 1965 we entered the Battle of the bands at the state fair. We placed second in the state to a band from Fort Wayne called The Epics. The third place band was from She
lbyville called The Kandels. As a result of our success we were invited by The Beach Boys to be one of the opening acts at their concert at Ball State . The Vietnam War took its toll on our group as two of our members were drafted into the service. With replacements we contined on until 1971 and disbanded. Our drummer Robbie Rogers was an exceptional player and could be considered the best in the state at that time, but of course I'm prejudiced. Our lead singer and guitar player Dan Mobley when he left the service moved to Florida and still to this day is performing and recording.Our bass player was Frank Smith who moved to Batesville in 1963 from Fordyce Ark. Our keyboard player was Glen 
Dickman who was originally a trombone player and was self taught on the guitar and keys, he was very gifted. We were always a cover band and had no desires to do our own material or record. We simply loved to play for people. Jim Shelton of WIBC radio took us under his wing and we did dances all over the state of Indiana."
The Caravans on the night we placed 2nd in the state battle of the bands. We are holding a check for $2500.00. The members are from left to right:Robbie Rogers - Drums
Dan Mobley - Guitar / Lead Singer
Frank Smith - Bass
Bob Walterman - Guitar
Glen Dickman - Keyboards - Trombone
"In later years after The Caravans disbanded I started a group called Blackwater Falls which had two musicians from Columbus,In. Jim Prazner on bass and Henry Smith on drums. Since 1963 I founded a total of six bands."
Great to hear from Bob, and really stoked that we can share the Caravans story with our dedicated followers! Thanks!
The Caravans were great. They worked hard, as did most of the bands in the Greensburg/Batesville area. I really hope the members are doing okay these days.
ReplyDeleteI was one of the original Caravans,the members were Bob Walterman(lead guitar)Robbie Rogers(drums)Dan Mobley(guitar)Frank Smith (bass guitar)Glen Dickman (guitar and keyboard). We placed 2nd at the Young American Fair at the 1965 Indiana State Fair. We hooked up with Jim Shelton of WIBC radio and went throughout the state doing dances. We also opened up for The Beach Boys at Ball State University.that following winter.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry. Did you ever remember Tom Lee? He was an original member. Not sure who this is but I'm his brother and followed with the beloved Caravan's in 67. Bill Lee I can be reached at wlee5356@gmail.com
DeleteAs a member of the "Five Fates" from Arlington H.S. Indy - we alternated with the Caravans at the Claypool Ball Room in 1965 for the young democrats national convention. We both sounded good and the crowd was big and strong.
ReplyDeleteJohn Atkins
As a member of the "Five Fates" from Arlington H.S. Indy - we alternated with the Caravans at the Claypool Ball Room in 1965 for the young democrats national convention. We both sounded good and the crowd was big and strong.
ReplyDeleteJohn Atkins