1965 began where 1964 ended at the Driftwood Lounge in Sparks Nevada. We really liked it there so we signed an indefinite contract. The money was pretty good and it was a four day a week job. Plenty of time to do things and plenty of things to do. There were some big changes in … Continue reading 1965 →

I've decided to veer off just a little and talk about the group.   When you’re out on the road away from home the band becomes like a family. Like a band of brothers.   Of course you get into spats but heaven help the outsider that gets on one of the members.   Gary … Continue reading The Ultimates →

Before I get into Reno I have one more short story about Yakima I got word from my brother that his ship was coming into Bremerton Washington for repair. He had gone back into the Navy and was aboard the USS ORISKANY which was an aircraft carrier. It's funny these were the days way before … Continue reading The Biggest little city in the world →

We were on an indefinite contract In Yakima  and as a result of buying new instruments and a disastrous trip home we were broke. Not to mention a new wardrobe.   We settled in and and got back on our feet.  We had a lot of work to do to come together as a band. … Continue reading More Yakima and on to California →

After arriving in Holdenville As quickly as I could I went to the armory to talk with them about IG Inspection and let them know I was in town and would be there.   When I walked in they said” what are you doing here?”   I said you sent me a letter and told … Continue reading Wasted trip →

One quick Yakima story before I get to the National Guard.   One Saturday afternoon Gary Sullivan and I are walking through the lobby of the hotel.  I noticed a large group of soldiers there.   I looked over and Gary was talking to one of them.  He said “ you know this guy?”   … Continue reading Reminder from the National Guard →

The owner of the club in Yakima was disabled.  He was in a wheel chair.   During the time I was not playing in the group he and I kinda connected.  I guess it was because I had worked for a man like him as.  A kid.   I would drive him places,help him in … Continue reading Beatle wigs and Female impersonators →

I really didn’t have a lot to say about Boise I guess because I wasn’t really involved.  One thing I do remember is once again Gary had an uncle that lived there.  After our first night bunking at Leon and Jimmys place his uncle Lloyd insisted we stay with him and his wife.   They … Continue reading Yakima →

January 1 1964 We left Holdenville early on that morning.   We were driving Gary’s 1957 Chevy. Four door.  Due to budget constraints he had downsized from the beautiful 1962 pontiac. I had a 1954 Ford 2dr hard top we knew it wouldn’t make the trip.  1963 wasn’t a very good year financially but we … Continue reading Go West young man →

I began my stories about my music career by talking about how I started playing  music.  It was because of my friendship with three guys that wanted to start a band.  Friendship also allowed me to continue in music even after I thought I was through.   At the end of 1963 Gary Sullivan was … Continue reading Friendship →