Emperors - Indianapolis 1965

Behold the Emperors, typical young men sporting Beatle haircuts in late 1965. Many of the youth had bands, altho few seemed to have as much "presence" as these. From George Washington High, we present "The Emperors":


Eddie George
Phil Davis
Darrel Rose
Kenney Simpson
Bobbie Barnes

Don't know if the kids ever did anything else, or where they are today. Any ideas?

The Dug Out - Logansport 1969

From early '69, we have the a wonderful snapshot of a week in Indiana band history.

"Boston Creme Pie", formerly the "Surf Suns" from Ft. Wayne.
-Denny McComb
Tony Lillo
Mike Kelly
Steve Towsley
Jason Liechty

One 45 as the Surf Suns and one rumored as BCP - "She's a fine woman" /?

"Dawn Five" ( see previous post here) The Dawn 5 had a rotation of members as a result of a tragic accident and the ticks of time. At the time the members may have included (but not limited to):
Dave Dunne
Pat Finnegan
Greg Nicoloff
Mike Berkowitz

"Waterproof Candle"  is a band name that may be new to most, but it did include some heavyweight members from Indianapolis bands:
Rob Swaynie
Steve Foster
Wayne Wilson
Michael Rea

"Sun Lightning Inc." has a wonderful history that has been well documented. Formerly known as the "Sangralads", there are two 45's from the band, altho they are largely different band line-ups. A wonderful recollection from Phil Armstrong (founding member and leader) is available here. Thanks to John O. at Artyfacts in Wax blog!

"Sounds Unlimited" were one of the top bands in Indianapolis, but by this time were past their sell-by date as a british invasion oriented band. Steve Foster and Wayne Wilson had left to join the "waterproof candle", and the Talbot brothers were dipping their toes in the "Mason Profitt" sound that soon was created.
One 45 and an EP (Sundazed) was released from earlier tapes found.

A hearty thanks to Brad Long for the poster, and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL!

Palisades - Ft. Wayne

The Palisades from Ft. Wayne! Formerly know as the Norsemen, included:

Joe  Minnick - left seated - Drums
Jim Hoot - right seated - bass
Mike Gater - up left - rhythm guitar
Dave Miller - up right - lead guitar

According to "Debi Sollohub" (she had the byline in the article, Ft. Wayne JournalGazette -1967) the boys varied in taste from Dave's "way out stuff" to the other preferring the Yardbyrds (sic) and the Kingsmen.

Of course what caught my eye was the "recently cut a record, and in about two weeks, their first single "The Truth is Out" will be released". And for record collectors like me, that is manna from heaven.
Where is the 45? Did it ever get released? Who has one where? What are the boys up to now?
God Lord, I have such a good time doing this........

Emblems - Indianapolis 1967

A few years ago, this photo of the Emblems surfaced in the Indianapolis Star (newspaper). And the Emblems were given another shot at fame.
Known members:
Greg Anderson
Ted Volkert
Chris Browning
Tom Adams

Two 45's on the Lamia label - 1967 - are evidence that the Emblems could hold their own with many bands!

Lamia 1546
Hold On, I'm Coming - That Girl of Yours

Lamia 1547
We're Gonna Love - Lumberjack Jack

Hold On is a cover of a Sam & Dave tune, and of course We're Gonna Love is a cover of the mighty "Sir Winston & the Commons" of Indianapolis, how cool is that! Chris Browning was the vocal of  "We're Gonna Love", and Greg Anderson is listed as the vocal of  "That Girl of Yours".

These guys have to have a great story, we need to find it. And then we'll get it out to be enjoyed by all!

Unpredictables - Evansville

 From Evansville, way down south, we present the Unpredictables. Hard to find any info on this band, although we know where and when they did their thing.

From the 45 we have band members:
Ken
Chad
Ernie
Jim
 Scott (Scott Sublett).

The lone EP is all cover tunes, recorded at Guild Craft Studios, Hammond Indiana, 1968.


Hear them now - sorry about the quality of the sound, very noisy pressing!

Ninety-nine and a half - Knock on Wood

It was a very good year - my girl

Of course the photo shows seven band members......any idea who is who?

Turks - Evansville

The Turks, Evansville, Indiana circa 1967.
The Turks released several 45's on the P.D.B. label that included:

111-112 Dianne - Baja
112-114 Hide Away - Wipeout
211-212 Love Can Never Hurt You (Just Break Your Heart) -  It's So Good

Other than the "R. Snodgrass" as the writer, I have no other leads on these guys! Jason@Indiana45's once told me that the "Young Turks" on the Dash label (Chicago) was the same group. at this point I don't know!
I'll add Diane and Baja when I find that 45, I have it somewhere in this mess!

Ravens - Ft. Wayne

Presenting, by request, the fabulous Raven's. Calling Ft. Wayne home, all were from New Haven High School.

Paul Hobenstein - bass
Ben Berry - rhythm guitar
Mort Mckee -guitar
Carl Berry - drums

Although the Raven's professed to lean toward the folk end of the music szene, at the time of this photo, the Beatles "Day Tripper" was their favorite tune of the time. Beatles and Byrds were the inspiration for the moniker "Raven's".

Using the newspaper as evidence, the Raven's cut 2 sides for a 45 to be released in September '67. "For You" & "In the Rain".  if anyone has any idea if these were released, please let me know!
There was a 45 released in '66, from a South Bend group of Ravens! No relation, and no I don't have it at this writing either (although I will get it and the picture sleeve it was released with!)

Till next time friends!