the DeVilles / De Villes

MIlton, WV, 1959-1962

The DeVilles, or De Villes (after the Cadillac car) were the hometown rock-n-roll band from the Mlilton area. The band was led by Pat Wisman, who had already graduated high school , and was well known locally for his piano playing talent. Along with Pat the members were Les Hamilton (guitar), Don Bias (sax and trumpet), Sonny Craig (bass) and Bill Cooper (drums).

The band played as far away as Beckley, WV, as seen in the newspaper article. There's no recollection of them playing in Toledo. That would be a far reach for a rock-n-roll band in 1959.

The band recorded two 45s, one for Nau-Voo, which is most likely the 'leading record company' cited in the newspaper story. The A side is a nice teen rocker with a lead vocal by Les Hamilton. The 45 got a mention in Billboard, and the because of the Ohio origin of the label, the band gets a mention on Buckeye Beat.

They recorded a second 45 a year or so later, with the driving raw instrumental "Shell Shock" (including bomb sound effects at the beginning and end) as the A side. The record doesn't have a label name, only the band and song titles, and the label 'Promotional  Not For Sale' where the label name is usually placed. 

The article above mentions two songs "Deville Rock" and "Nursery Rhymth (sic) Hop" that were either renamed, or not released.

Pat Wisman was one of the co-founders and producers for the Plato label that released several 45s in 1968, all by West Virginia bands. He also owned a music store in the 1960s and 70s. 

Discography:
I Didn't Do It / Yea Ho - Nau-Voo 806, May 1959
Shell Shock / Bewitched - no label 1, 1960