Saturday, March 28, 2009

The Downbeats

Did you know that my dad is an amazing musician/songwriter/pianist? Years ago, he was in a band called The Downbeats. . .ten points to anyone who has heard of them. They played many local venues as well as places throughout the country. Anyway, just thought my dad would get a kick out of being "featured" on the blog. Olivia will get to hear all of the stories as she grows up, I'm sure.


The Downbeats on the All-American College Show


My dad is the one kneeling in the middle.

9 comments:

Becky said...

Cool! Did they cut any albums? What kind of venues did they play? That's a really neat heritage to be able to pass down.

don said...

The band played Rock and Roll from '64 to '70 at schools and clubs, and we enjoyed opening for many bigger groups. We were privileged to "back up" B. J. Thomas when he came to Wichita in '69. We do have a CD that was compiled from some live recordings and our 45 from 1968. We got back together in 2000 and played some gigs again...and relived great memories! Someday, sweet Olivia and her cousin Izzy will dance to the Downbeats!

By the way, the All-American College Show was a talent program hosted by Dennis James in that picture. We recently were able to acquire the 30 minute "color" program from a studio in Hollywood....we hadn't seen the show since it aired in January of '69. Those 'funky' coats are called Nehru Jackets!!!

Shea said...

Whooo! Rock On! That is so cool!

In 2nd grade we were hatching duckings and of the 7 only 1 survived and he had a broken foot. So we called him Lucky. A couple days later we 'started a band' while playing on the monkey bars and we debuted our hit song: Lucky the Ducky! We had some good times on those monkey bars. The week after that, we split up...

Shea said...

(duckLings)

Stacie said...

Jodi - I'm ready to receive my 10 points because not only have I heard of them, I've got their cd! =)
Just one of the many perks of being your best friend!

Jodi said...

And Stacie gets the 10 points. . .too bad all that gets you is a free cd. :)

Don, Shelley and Izzy said...

I think I have Stacie beat... Not only do I have a CD, but I also was lucky enough to have booked the best Downbeat to play at my wedding!

Jodi said...

Shelley has a point. . .

Stacie said...

Hmmm ... well, I'll let you win this one Shelley - but I'm keeping my 10 points!! =)