West Michigan Mid-Sixties Bands
Me and Dem Guys
Jackson, GR
Black Cloud
From an email message from Keith Seccombe
Between 1964-1972 Michigan enjoyed probably the most talented/entertaining band ever to come out of the state: Me and Dem Guys.
The group was born in Jackson during 1964 and comprised of 5 players: jan porter (keyboards-vocals), bobby stiles (bass-vocals), frank eimer (guitar-vocals), john jennings(horns-vocals), and lynn riggs (drums). as the band became popular playing club dates throughout michigan they decided they wanted to make records and in 1966 travelled to nashville to cut their first records: "black cloud" (their first hit ), "don’t bug me," "little sweetheart" and "gone gone gone."
in 1967 they decided to expand the group and hired doug cassens, one of the finest sax players in michigan, wanting to broaden their strong sound and added keith seccombe, an englishman who had been playing with a band out of new york (the dead end kids ). now, not only had the the band grown to having 3 front line horn players (keith also played) but now had six vocalists!
this lineup was not to last long though unfortunateley. john decided he'd had enough of playing on the road and quit to return to jackson for a 9-5 lifestyle.
In 1969 it was time to go back to the recording studio where the hits "smiling phases," "simple thoughts of love" and "she cried" came to fruition, and to add a stronger vocal/guitar sound terry kay from kalamazoo was added to lineup. as with most bands there was some internal strife, with frank leaving and being replaced by donny rogers who brought with him a strong r&b/jazz background.
the band's popularity continued to grow expanding further across the country letting the band not only continue to be a very successful club act but became an opening act for such national artists as the box tops, bobby sherman and the ides of march. still the guys wanted their own national success and started recording original material ("da man," "the end is coming," "return to reality," "holes in soles") on their own record Pyrenees label, but without national success.
in 1971 things changed drastically. lead singer keith lost his voice and returned to england, terry decided he'd had enough and returned to kalamazoo, and founding member jan felt he too wanted a break after 7 years on the road.
what now? the band continued! They hired keyboard/vocalist george voss and cut their last record as a five piece: "mr elevator/ seperation" (probably the best thing they ever recorded). but all good things come to an end and in 1972 me and dem guys hung up their well worn rock and roll shoes with keith (who had returned from england)booking their last gig (east grand rapids high school prom).
where are they now? jan lives in california and drives truck for a living. john continues to live and work in jackson as does bobby. frank continues to earn a living playing and singing and lives in manistee. terry lives in kalamazoo still. george the last we heard was playing cruise ships in japan. donny moved to florida to be close to his daughter and works in the automobile leasing business. keith still lives in grand rapids and has been in car sales for 30 years also doing photo, video and voice over work on the side. lynn is also living in g.r. having made his niche in the car business (after some scary health problems he's okay now ). finally, doug lives in southfield and after a long career with amway now has his business but still keeps his chops up playing weekend gigs.
Hey,
This is cool, I had no idea I would find this on the web. But it's majic, the web I mean.
I worked with Me and Dem Guys in the early 70's as the sound guy. I still have Jans business card.
If any of you are still around who remember me drop me an e-mail.
I am Stan from the Detroit area, now living near
Santa Cruz, California
I actually just found a 45 of their "Smiling Phases/mercy, mercy". It was in a stack of other records.
Small world.
Posted by: Jan at August 26, 2004 12:14 AMi remember me and dem guys the english guy keith seccombe rocked he was the man that gave the group presence, great site
thank you
bobby
still watch dad at seyfee's hope you are all doing good. remember the little girl in the red dress with a tanborine at russo's write back
Posted by: darcy eimer at November 21, 2004 02:21 AMMe and Dem Guys were the best! I saw them open for Dr Hook and when I snuck into the Westgate.... I played with Jan in a band called "Rock Island" in '76-78. He is a great musician and person...anyone have his email??
I get to CA once a month on business and would love to get in touch...
I STILL REMEMBER SEEING "ME AND DEM GUYS AT
WESTGATE IN THE SUMMER OF 1968. THEY WERE SO
POLISHED AND PROFESSIONAL. REMEMBER THEM SINGING
"BLACK CLOUD" AND "SMILING PHASES" AMONG OTHERS.
I WAS WONDERING WHICH RECORD WAS OUT FIRST-
THE "BLACK CLOUD" ON CORAL GABLES OR DEARBORN.
I THINK I'VE EVEN SEEN IT ON PALMER TOO.
Where can I locate or obtain a complete singles and albums discography on the group ME AND DEM GUYS, in particular the DEARBORN label releases including un-released material? Require "ZTSC" matrix number information on their singles output.
Is there somewhere I can still get Me and Dem Guys albums, used or new?
Posted by: C. Deleze at March 8, 2005 06:43 PMI was the bassman with The Pasels in the 60's
and every time we would get a night off we would
go to Lansing (corel gables) to see the band.
I got to know most of them, and when Doug Castens
Donny Rogers joined the group,I did some recording
I also was given tapes done in the mid 60's.
The group had a reunion in G.R. in 1991. I'm not
sure if anything was recorded at that time.
Four members of the Pastels were there, and did
some songs we haden't done in a long time.
Carl Parker, Don Rogers, John Anglin, and myself.
Carl and Don left The Pastels in 1964.
anybody looking for me and dem guys music keith from the band has compiled a great cd of their music i believe it has 18 tracks including black cloud and smiling phases you can have one of these professionaly made cds for $20.00 plus shipping and handling by contacting me at.
1manutd@comcast.net
Me and my two friends used to follow you guys all around. I remember when you sang at the Elbow Room, and at the "Old Crow" in Saugatuck. I remember that place being packed. Everywhere you went, you really packed them in. Everyone just loved you guys, and just couldn't get enough of that good sound! I used to brag to everyone about you. Those were great memories. About a couple of years ago, I saw Frank Eimer at Sayfee's. He's still doing great!
Posted by: Carol VanderWoude at July 28, 2005 01:51 PMI KNEW KEITH AND ALMA BACK WHEN AND WOULD LIKE TO GET IN TOUCH...............ANYONE KNOW KEITH'S E-MAIL?
Posted by: ROSE DOLEZAL at August 31, 2005 12:07 PMWhat a great band to come from my home town in Jackson! I met Frank Eimer thru my best friends then and still is, his brother Tom. What few times I "remember" seeing "and" hearing them (at the same time) they were one of the best! (I guess it's true, if you remember the 60's...you really weren't there???) Seems like at one time there must have been "50" of "dem", maybe 12. I realy don't "remember".
Posted by: Vince Dragonetti at October 4, 2005 01:42 PMI am amazed at what a person can "google" these days. I was a MAJOR groupie (as was my roomie, Patty) of "Me and Dem Guys" back in 69' and 70', first meeting them when they played the Colony Room in Kalamazoo. Madly in love with Dougie C. Spent some time with him and some of his friends at Pleasant Lake in those days. Ahhhhhh, the good ole days.
Posted by: Diane at October 14, 2005 01:49 PMFunny thing I was just discussing with a friend last night about "me and dem guys" as I was in Santa Barbara listening to a group called Gov’t Mule, reminded me of this great group, at Coral Gables in Kalamazoo
Posted by: Dennis Rainey at October 24, 2005 03:40 PMJust surfing around and spotted a name and band from the past. My brother Ned Daniels used to play with George Voss back in the late 60's. The band name was Noah out of Kalamazoo. I don't actually think George played with this band, Chris Moberly was on Organ (recent web surf reveals a gig in Michigan in 2000 with Chris) Ned on bass and Steve Kosminiski lead guitar. Can't remember the other members. Played Babes Lounge in Benton Harbor, Finnelmans in South Haven plus all the local Kalamazoo gigs. Broke up in the early 1970's. Anybody remembering this band email me.
Posted by: Bruce Daniels at October 28, 2005 12:28 PMAs I recall, the band was orginally known as Arrowsmith, before another band of the same name became famous? Bobby's nickname was "Jesus". They had a Hammond B3 with a Leslie and did a great Uriah Heep cover with Doug jumping up and down to a strobe light. I saw them a few times at the "Stardust" in Grand Rapids on West Fulton. They had a C-series Ford tilt-cab tractor that pulled about a 35' trailer with all their equiptment. Bobby drove it.
Posted by: Dale Zalaoras at January 6, 2006 01:43 AMAfter the guys broke up in 1972,Jan (the keyboard player) and I had a band for a short while called Merge,then Doug and I started Aerosmythe with Pat Cooper( keyboards) and Dan Ohlman ( drums) and the group was very popular around town for a couple of years till we went our seperate ways.I still stay in touch with most of the Guys, Jan lives in California ,spoke with him last week, Doug lives on the other side of the state ,spoke with him Monday and donny(guitar) lives in Florida ,spoke with him last night!Drop me a line if you would like any more info,Keith
Posted by: keith at January 6, 2006 08:58 AMAnyone have current contact for George Voss? I know George from way back in the music biz days and would like to contact him.
Posted by: Ray at January 18, 2006 07:37 AMI played in a garage band called THE GOOD LYVES from Lansing.(Our calling card said " We will play anything but funerals.") We won a battle of the bands contest at The Spot on Duck Lake and after we won the contest, we thanked the crowd and lauched into "Black Cloud". Great song. Great night. Great memory. Thank You and you guys.
Posted by: Eugene Burd at February 17, 2006 01:41 PMHEY GUYS, BOB REILLY HERE FROM COMMON PEOPLE. JUST HEARD ABOUT THIS SIGHT. I'M IN NASHVILLE TN. NOW AND I COULDN'T RESIST SAYING HEY TO ALL THE GUYS. HEY!!! BOB
Posted by: BOB REILLY at February 26, 2006 09:44 PMHi Bob,I don,t know if you got my e.mail or not so I thought I,d write you on the sight.I stay in touch with most of the Guys,Jan in California( he will be here in G.R this summer),Donnie in Florida,Doug in Southfield,Lynn and Pat Cooper(we played together in the 70,s in a band called Aerosmythe)here in G.R.I see Lin already got with you,she,s my bud!Unfortunately Bob went mia a few years back he,s had some major problems!I also reconnected with the Westbrook sisters and Charlie Winkler recently so this is like old home week!Glad you,re doing well,hopefully see you if you make it up to G.R,God bless,Keith
Posted by: keith at March 3, 2006 08:55 AM....i played in george voss first band.he lived next door to my aunt in parkview area kalamazoo.my aunt called and said the nieghbor kid might fit in my band he didnt have an organ but had an upright piano...i played house of the rising sun on record.he listened about 2 minutes and played it in 3 minutes.he was classically trained and took to rock instantly.i suggested he get an organ and he did[farfizza]...we giged frat partys for a couple of years.the guy never played anything but great from the start.he was best friends with dan watson who later played keyboards for bob seeger.my best guess is that he was a better overall player than dan was,tho he wasnt the showman dan was.
Posted by: guy at March 19, 2006 07:45 AMI remember most of you guys,Dem guys! I'm Terry Kay's sister. TK was about Dead and went through Hell!! He sucessfully went through a liver transplant!! He now has a womens Liver and hopefully it will help with those high notes!He plans to sing again!! I'm so happy we didn't loose him!
Chears
Deb Kay-Rife
You never know what you'll find. I was just rambling on the internet while visiting my granddaughter in Atlanta . . . and on a lark I entered "me and dem guys" into YAHOO. I,m originally from Lansing, Michigan . . . now retired in Wisconsin. I gratuated from MSU in 1966. That's when Me and Dem Guys were performing at the Coral Gables in East Lansing. Somewhere tucked away, I have an autographed copy of the Black Cloud 45. Finding this site was a real hoot!
Posted by: Roland Tonn at May 4, 2006 04:58 PMI played in a band with George Voss back in late 60's to 1970 in a band called, Headband. Myself on bass, Skeets Chappell guitar, Dale Wills on lead, Wayne Moorman drums, George keys and Marianne Sorry vocals. Played all the local bars. The band was slated to open for the Moody Blues first US tour in 71 but due to internal strife broke up briefly and reformed to tour with Leonard Skynard instead. George Voss and Dale Wills were the standout in this band. I do remember Danny Watson from highschool. He was a fine keyboardist and showman. Quite a bit of talent came out of Kalamazoo in those days. Anyone who hung out at the "Sound Factory" back then would remember much of this talent.
Posted by: Ned Daniels at August 2, 2006 06:29 AMI graduated from East Grand Rapids HS in 1972. Yes, attended the senior Prom. Unfortunately, don't remember much of anything but do recall one dance, great song. You can bet a few pics in the 1972 yearbook might be worth conjuring up. Hard to imagine now that this was the band that played at our Senior Prom?!
Posted by: Bradley J Davis at August 13, 2006 06:15 PMFrank Eimer and John Jennings are playing together again. Also in the group is Rob Volkers and Fred Ploughman. You can enjoy the Frank Eimer band at the charlevoix club 3030 charlevoix s.e. grand rapids, mi friday and saturday 8 to midnight. yes, they are singing black cloud again. they are probably the best band in town. going east on 28th street turn right on charlevoix. about 3 blocks down on the left. they are renaming the club cinnabar, but new signs are not up yet. it is also a fitness club on one side of the building. if you like to dance or just enjoy listening to a great band this is the place to be.
hope to see old and new fans.
mrs. frank eimer
Posted by: marge eimer at September 12, 2006 10:33 PMFrank Eimer and John Jennings are playing together again. Also in the group is Rob Volkers and Fred Ploughman. You can enjoy the Frank Eimer band at the charlevoix club 3030 charlevoix s.e. grand rapids, mi friday and saturday 8 to midnight. yes, they are singing black cloud again. they are probably the best band in town. going east on 28th street turn right on charlevoix. about 3 blocks down on the left. they are renaming the club cinnabar, but new signs are not up yet. it is also a fitness club on one side of the building. if you like to dance or just enjoy listening to a great band this is the place to be.
hope to see old and new fans.
mrs. frank eimer
Posted by: marge eimer at September 12, 2006 10:33 PMTo Mrs Frank Eimer,
Please E-mail me ASAP !
Chet Baker
Chet@oldies1015.com
Posted by: Chet Baker at September 17, 2006 09:26 PMTo Mrs Frank Eimer,
Please let Frank now that I have just recently found all of my uncle Allen's reel to reel, about 8 in all, of Me and Dem Guys in my garage and am in the process of copying them and all of my record collection (including "Frankie and the Teen Tones and the Frank Eimer band") over to digital. If he wants a copy have him let my sister Darcy know and I will send him one. He probably has the records but most of the reels are live recordings from all diffrent locations.
Hi Margie!
Just happened to find this site when I was looking to see if the band was still playing at the Charlevoix Club. Glad to hear that they are still there! Weather down here in Florida is great!! Playing golf at least 4 days a week and going out to dance quite often too. Miss the Eimer band!! Some down here are pretty good too. Well just wanted to say hi!! Tell the guys Jerry and I send our best. Later, Sally
hey
is that it is that all there is, they back around or at least two of the old ones frank and john and sound better than ever. playing all over grand rapids,
check out the local scene and find this one, theyre worth it
rich
Posted by: rich d at January 10, 2007 09:57 AMhey Kieth thought id let you know thre are 2 Eimers fightin for the "cool new bars around here.Dads been at the e3 BistroI had to do my best to show dad up(not that any of those
Russo boyswould notice HaHa. drop me a line some time
Hi there Keith and Alma
Me and Dem Guys.............Well I was a bit to young for the clubs in the late sixties, but wow I can remember that voice and how crystal clear it sounds yelling acrossed the show room floor when it was time for our "Lunch" break and departing in a Z or what ever hot thing was his driver that month. It looked like the scene from Fast times at Ridgemont High when Spicoli and the boys get out of the van.
Hanks busted me once. He left Keith alone, wonder why. I thin it was forty a month against 12 if I was lucky.
Their version of Knights in White is fantastic.
Posted by: Timothy Lockwood at April 7, 2007 02:07 PMHey Keith - I hope all is well. I put the Me and Dem Guys tape you gave me years ago into my player last week............still sounds great! You know, we should get "Fenton Alums" together for a charity show, say, for cancer research. Get the GR Press and LAV ( Ed Buchannan) in line to back us with promo and see how it flies.(?) say hello to Alma. Take care.
Pat Dawdy
Posted by: Patrick Dawdy at April 12, 2007 07:55 AMHi Pat,
Nice to hear from you,are you still gigging with The Jonnies?
Last week my son's band First Row Live was playing in town and it was like old home week,John Mcdonald(Dead End Kids),Lynn Riggs(Me and Dem Guys)Heime(Sing Sing Studio)were all there,lot of fun.
I've been involved with the Music and Creative Arts Ministry at Resurrection Live Church here in town for 8 years,it's an awesome praise and worship mega church and we just released our 7th recording,you would be amazed at how good the c.d is!
Let me know if you would like a copy ,if so let me know your address,also I'll send you a c.d of the Guy's recordings.
God bless,Keith
Me and Dem Guys...Civic's Black and Silver Room...Dollar Dances...a little bottle of vodka smuggled in to add to my orange soda...ahhhhh, those were the days!
Posted by: Carolyn at April 15, 2007 10:52 PMI hope frank is still at Charlevoix. I remember when he was at the town house and later owned froggies on Leonard
Posted by: bob at April 18, 2007 02:36 PMwould like someone from band to email me have a very important question and would like some informaion please thanks.
Posted by: lisa at April 30, 2007 10:04 AMHi Lisa,
I was singer /horn player in the band and continue to promote and maintain the history of the band.
What can I do to help you and what info do you need regards the band ?
Its kind of apersonal nature type question I would rather not post out here if at all possible not to.( bjccecalc@yahoo.com ) I can be contacted at either email address thanks
Posted by: Lisa at May 1, 2007 07:43 AMAnyone needing information on Me and Dem Guys can reach me at limey58@hotmail.com
Keith
hi me and dem guys fans:
the frank eimer band with john jennings (also an original) will start at sayfees restaurant on lake eastbrook dr. grand rapids mi on friday sept 7th 2007. 7:30 to 11:30 on friday and saturday. also appearing will be rob volkers(drum/vocal) fred ploughman(keyboard/vocal) and geri bek (vocals). great music, great dancing, great food at sayfees. please join us there.
mrs. frank (marge) emier
Posted by: marge eimer at September 2, 2007 11:40 PMHi. Unfortunately, I never got to see you guys perform. I was the front man with the Bobby Charles Quartet and I guess we worked the same nights. From what I heard about your group, I really missed something.
Posted by: Johnnie McCoy at September 5, 2007 12:50 AMHi Alma and Keith....it's me, Kim Thielke...Bonnie's daughter. You have been on my mind for 2 yrs and I decided today to google you. Bonnie and I both still live in Florida. Kirk has a sporting goods store in Sand Lake, MI (and 4 kids. hahahaha) My two kids are 25 and 22 now. Bonnie looks and feels great and still works in Tampa. I hope all is well with all of you. Kisses to Scottie and Renee (sp?) xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Love you always - KT
Posted by: Kim thielke at November 7, 2007 04:50 PMHi Kim,
Nice to hear from you,we're doing great,so are both the kids and the 5 grandkids,we are still all living here in G.R.
I still stay in touch with all the guys from the band and some of their kids!
Let me know your e.mail address or send me a note to mine,limey58@hotmail.com.
Talk to you soon,Keith
Anyone know where Danny Watson from Kalamazoo is? He played keyboards for the 5th Avenue Caste and later was with Bob Seeger for a bit.
HI! For anyone reading this--I saw the post by Kim Thielke from November 7th. I am trying to reconnect with Kim and can't seem to locate her. I was a high school friend and we hung out a lot senior year. I would love to see her again. My family and I are heading to FL near Tampa and would like to look her up. Kim--please email me @ marleep@comcast.net
Hope to see ya soon--so many good memories!
Anyone interested in catching a good live band in town tonight or tomorrow,stop by The Radisson on Ann St by the 131 exit and see Dunn Deal ,you'll have a good time!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: keith seccombe at April 11, 2008 10:40 AMI was extremely close friends with the guys, especially Jan & Mary Porter, in 1966/67 at MSU.
I remember borrowing their trailer to move my mother into her new house in 1967. If anyone knows or talks to Jan please forward this comment or at least give him my best. Thanks
Hi Pat,
i stay in touch with Jan who lives in California drop me an e.mail (limey58@hotmail.com) and I'll give you his number,Keith
Sad News,
Don Hankey,popular local singer and musician of the 60's and 70's passed away Saturday after suffering a brain aneurysm the previous Sunday,
you leave behind a lot of fond memories.
Our prayers are with your family at this time.
God Bless!
Keith
I caught my old band mates Frank Eimer and John Jennings at Sayfees last night! It was fun hearing Black Cloud live again !!!
Sounding good Guys.
Keith
I wasn't old enough to go to the clubs, but, I remember my Dad coming home with a big blue monstrosity of a Dodge pickup. He bought it from Me and Dem Guys. I have been looking for the song "Smiling Phases" for quite some time. I have the Fenton Collection, but, I was disappointed that it wasn't on there.
Susan
Posted by: Susan at July 25, 2008 05:17 PMHi Susan,
I sang the lead on Smiling Phases and I have a 17 track c.d available of all the Guys recordings including Smiling !Drop me a line at limey58@hotmail.com or ring me at 957-0214 and I'll get you a copy to you.
God bless,Keith
Hi Keith sorry it has taken a few months to get back to you. If you can get me Jan's e-mail or phone number I would greatly appreciate it. If you talk to him - let him know that I still remember the guys after 40 years.
Posted by: Pat Parker at August 14, 2008 06:51 PMHi Pat,
Jan's phone number is 661-714-4944
His e.mail is tisijp@dslextreme.com.
If you're in G.R give me a ring I'll give the lowdown on whats happening with the guys!
HELLO TO BOB. HE THINKS HE COULD PLAY WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING THING IS IF HE HAD DONE WHAT WAS RIGHT BY ME HE COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER AT WHAT HE DOES. NOT AS MANY NIGHTS ON THE ROAD ANY MORE. PLEASE POST I BET YOU WON'T
TED
I Played trumpet with the Caste and Danny in the summer of 1969. I have been trying to find Danny also. He sacrificed a lot to play with the Caste, a college football scolarship and more. If you can belive it the caste threw him out of the band. I was so disturbed I quit the band and moved back to Florida. There was jeliousy over his showmanship and talent. Danny was a very good person.
Bob
Posted by: Bob Nethery at September 20, 2008 09:56 PMMy friend was married to Frank (I think). She asked me to look around and see if I can find a 'me and dem guys' song: Black Cloud. She loved it back in the 60's. If anyone can post a link to that song, or anything else by them, that would be fabulous!
Thank you!
~Judy
Judy ring me I have Black Cloud,
Keith (957-0214)
