Actually, the Rumblers first started out as “Ronnie & the Rumblers” when Ron Cooley who sang & played guitar put together a foursome which included Dennis Duncan (tenor sax), Doug Robertson (drums), and Dave Robinson (alto sax). Many of the band’s early appearances were at the old “Rock-it-Club" on Cornell Ave in Yakima, run by Bob & Pat Gursley. More than a few careers were started there and more than a few fond memories can trace their origins back to the dances at the Rock-it-Club!
When Ron moved away less than a year later, Dave Morgan joined the band and filled the need for a guitar player and singer. Gene Boyd was added next as lead guitar. Shortly thereafter, Dick Ruthardt, a bass player & singer from Grandview, and Leland Elliot a drummer from Wapato, came aboard (to replace Dave Robinson and Doug Robertson). The band remained stable with these five core musicians (Gene, Dennis, Lee, Dave & Dick) for nearly the remainder of its existence. With a focus on blending their individual sounds, they developed a well-integrated cohesive sound and became the “Rumblers” with the rock & roll sound that hundreds of Yakima Valley teenagers loved to listen and dance to.
They played dances throughout the Yakima Valley at the Eagles, Knights of Columbus, the Carpenters Hall, The Wagon Wheel, Toppenish Long House, and the Filipino Community Hall, and the Terrace Heights Community Center. In a competitive “Battle of the Bands” at the Yakima Armory they emerged victorious over their rivals, the Checkers, another Yakima Valley band.
As the Rumblers popularity grew, they began to play many Central Washington venues, often opening for other performers. On one occasion, they were the opening band for Lloyd Price of “Stagger Lee” fame. Outside the Yakima Valley, the Rumblers performed in various towns in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Utah, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota. It was during this time that Jimmy Bowen, a recording star for Roulette Records, adopted the Rumblers as his backup band. Jimmy went on to become one of the most influential record producers in the industry. The Rumblers always considered him a good friend and certainly an important and significant player in their history. While on tour in the Midwest at Kay Bank Studios in Minneapolis, the Rumblers recorded and released their single “Trudgin” on the Darbo label. It was later played on American Bandstand.
As the band began to diminish due to marriage, military obligations, etc., a different band evolved. Ironically, it consisted of the remaining members of the Rumblers and their longtime rivals, the Checkers. Added were: Glen Dahl (vocals). Mike Metko (sax), Mike Mandel (keyboard), and Larry Coryell (guitar). Many of the engagements were in Canada, notably Kimberly, Cranbrook, Penticton and Vernon, BC. Eventually there were more Checkers than Rumblers and the band became the Checkers, sadly leaving the name “Rumblers” for the use of the hot rod clubs.
Linda (Landon) Edwards, Dave Morgan, Gene Boyd, March 2007
http://rapidshare.com/files/48872822/rumblers_-_boss.zip
3 comments:
this is and has been one of my personal favorites since I first discovered them in '97.with songs like "Destruction","Boss" ,"Night Scene","It's a gas" legendary music here folks this is a MUST for any instro fan. The Rumblers ROCK!!!!!!!!!! BRANDONIO!
this band is from southern california. they recorded at downey records in downey california. your description and second photo is from a completely different rumblers. i believe the guys your talking about are from the pacific northwest. the drummer from the so cal rumblers formed adrian and the sunsets after the rumblers broke up. that's all, carry on.
Benny is correct. The CD cover photo is of the Southern California Rumblers. Band members, left to right are:
Wayne Matteson, Bob Jones, Adrian Lloyd, Johnny Kirkland and Mike Kelishes.
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