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Huntsville Musicians Remember The 1960s: American Chronicles

Ervin Bell

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Published in Rocket City Rock Soul: Huntsville Musicians Remember The 1960s (American Chronicles)

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In the 1960s, Huntsville, Alabama was a hotbed of musical talent. Local musicians played a major role in the city's cultural scene, and their music helped to shape the sound of the decade. This article takes a look back at some of the most influential Huntsville musicians of the 1960s, and explores their impact on the city's music scene.

Rocket City Rock & Soul: Huntsville Musicians Remember the 1960s (American Chronicles)

by Jane DeNeefe

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	131 pages

The Early Years

The 1960s began with a bang for Huntsville's music scene. In 1960, the city's first rock and roll radio station, WHNT, went on the air. This gave local musicians a platform to showcase their talents, and soon the city was home to a thriving music scene.

One of the most popular local bands of the early 1960s was The Mystics. The band was formed in 1961 by four high school students: Jimmy Hartridge, Larry Holmes, Tommy Helms, and Ronnie Stowe. The Mystics quickly became known for their energetic live performances and their catchy songs. In 1963, the band released their debut single, "Huntsville Girl," which became a local hit.

Another popular local band of the early 1960s was The Five Royales. The band was formed in 1958 by five brothers from Decatur, Alabama. The Five Royales were known for their smooth harmonies and their soulful songs. In 1963, the band released their debut single, "Think," which became a national hit.

The Mid-1960s

The mid-1960s saw the Huntsville music scene continue to grow and evolve. In 1965, the city's first music festival, the Huntsville Music Festival, was held. The festival featured a lineup of local and national acts, and it helped to put Huntsville on the map as a major music destination.

One of the most popular local bands of the mid-1960s was The Grass Roots. The band was formed in 1965 by four local musicians: Creed Bratton, Rob Grill, Rick Coonce, and Warren Entner. The Grass Roots were known for their catchy pop songs and their energetic live performances. In 1967, the band released their debut single, "Let's Live For Today," which became a national hit.

Another popular local band of the mid-1960s was The Spiral Starecase. The band was formed in 1964 by three local musicians: Pat Boone, Denny Fridkin, and Steve Boone. The Spiral Starecase were known for their psychedelic sound and their elaborate stage shows. In 1969, the band released their debut album, "More Today Than Yesterday," which became a critical and commercial success.

The Late 1960s

The late 1960s saw the Huntsville music scene reach its peak. In 1969, the city's second music festival, the Huntsville Pop Festival, was held. The festival featured a lineup of some of the biggest names in music, including Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Who. The festival was a huge success, and it helped to solidify Huntsville's reputation as a major music city.

One of the most popular local bands of the late 1960s was The Osmonds. The band was formed in 1958 by five brothers from Ogden, Utah. The Osmonds were known for their clean-cut image and their wholesome songs. In 1969, the band released their debut single, "One Bad Apple," which became a national hit.

Another popular local band of the late 1960s was The Partridge Family. The band was formed in 1969 by four local musicians: Shirley Partridge, Keith Partridge, Danny Partridge, and Laurie Partridge. The Partridge Family were known for their catchy pop songs and their clean-cut image. In 1970, the band released their debut single, "I Think I Love You," which became a national hit.

The Legacy of Huntsville's 1960s Music Scene

The 1960s was a golden age for Huntsville's music scene. The city's musicians played a major role in the development of American popular music, and their music helped to shape the sound of the decade. Today, Huntsville's music scene is still thriving, and the city is home to a number of talented musicians. The legacy of the 1960s music scene continues to inspire and influence musicians in Huntsville and around the world.

Rocket City Rock & Soul: Huntsville Musicians Remember the 1960s (American Chronicles)

by Jane DeNeefe

4.3 out of 5