Whatsits
Maysville, KY, 1965-72
Maysville, KY is a small town on the Ohio River, about 50 miles east of Cincinnati. Fortunately for the 1960s teen population, they had a swingin' band, the Whatsits, for dance action.
The band formed in 1965,under the name of the Burgundys. The original band included Jimmy Colgan (lead guitar), Sonny Brammer (keyboards / rhythm guitar), Joe Huffman (bass), John "Bucky" Davis on drums, BIlly Ginn on guitar, and Pat Fogle as lead singer. After a few months, Jerry Burdon replaced Jimmy Colgan and the band changed their name to the Whatsits (also spelled Whats-its). The group then added another guitarist, Ernie King (who was a few years younger than the other members) to be a 7 member band with three guitarists!
The band played all the time in local halls like the Hunter House, Knights of Columbus, and the VFW Hall in Maysville.
In mid 1966 the group went to record a 45 at Adco studios in Cincinnati, recording a couple band originals by Jerry Burdon. The sound on the 45 is raw thanks to the studio, but the songs are good teen garage. The band payed for the session.
About 7 months later, the band went back to Cincinnati, this time they went to Finch and recorded a couple covers, released as the Whatzits. The band sounds tight and the songs are done with a lot of energy. This record was issued with a pic sleeve. This record was more successful in terms of sales and getting the band exposure, including an appearance on Cincinnati TV.
The Whatsits lasted into the early 1970s with the original members leaving to go to college, start familiies, etc. Most of the original members reunited for a show in Maysville in the summer of 2011.
Discography
If You Need Me / I Don't Need You Anymore - Adco 784, June 1966
Stubborn Kind Of Fellow / I've Been Hurt - Finch no #, QCA 70311 (pic
sleeve), March 1967