A clip from a movie we did the title music and closing scene for in 1965. That's me on the far right playing a Watkins Telstar combo organ. I've somehow lost that 'slip of a lad' image since then, though.

I was with two bands that won the "Battle Of The Bands" contest that were prevalent around New Orleans. It was about 1956 - 1958. How would I get a framed picture of that group posted here on the forum.

The first group we called ourselves the "Belmonts," before there became a known "Belmonts" group. We came in second in our first "Battle Of The Bands" contest.

The second group that I worked with had better musicians. The Guituar player Vic Fouquet joined up for some time a few years later in Vegas working with Frank Sinatra Jr.

Anyway we won two BOTB'S contest and we called ouselves the "Fidelities."

Man did I have a bunch of hair then. Man all of these fond memories.

Well Tony, it turns out that there were about 3,000 bands called the KeyNotes and yes we used Combo Orks. That was the cusp of the end of the big band era and the beginning of Rock. Most of our repertoire were "standards" with a sprinkling of the new 3 chord tunes. Most requested tune was Stardust. None of us could afford an amp and we rented the amp (shown) for each gig from a local music store for $2.00 per gig. The tuxes were bought from a rental place - all with frayed cuffs and collars.
Fran, we didn't play many 'nice' places ... played many a night during all out brawls and we just played on. Our first gigs payed whatever was in the hat - 'pass the hat'. We were thrilled if we got $10 each. Soon after high school, the band broke up and I bought an amp (still have it, Esty/Panaramic tube amp), hooked up with a trio and played a joint where we played in the middle of the bar because it was too dangerous on the stage. Lots of memories.
Ciao,
Jerry

1958 I was already a
"Power Single".....lol

Great pics ... looks like you were all having a great time.

This is a band I played in called Overproof back in 1976 prior to a gig. Totally hippie long hair and flares

Nigel,

Where's your photos,don't say you left them back down under, looks like Donny was told to sit there and stay still, those old black and white plate cameras you were not supposed to move.

looks like a posh area, got a garden

Nice Photo Donny, those your smokes on your right

In the 80's I worked with a lead singer named Lois Lane (her real name). One of her groups was called Lois Lane and Super Band...but we also worked as a duo under several different names. The craziest went beyond DNJ's chicken hat. We were Lois Lane and Clark Kent and worked primarily in West Palm Beach, FL.

We ditched the novelty for more upscale gigs such as seen here for a 4th of July dinner/dance.

Lois still performs as a single now elsewhere in Florida and has put together a very entertaining novelty act for senior venues.

Thanks for posting your photos and musical/entertainment history.

My First Accordion band..