Cleveland, 1964-late 1970s
Jackie Peterson and the Paramounts were a Cleveland band in the greaser groove that released one 45 on the Warwick label. The record seems to have been a local hit, as used copies turn up regularly.
The band was led by Jack Pettit, using the stage name Jackie Peterson which he used throughout his performing career. he grew up in Painesville and started the band in the 1963/4 time frame while in high school. The first confirmed band we could find was Jackie Peterson and the Emblems in the summer of 1964. They played Cappelli's, the Torch Light and other familiar east side clubs. By mid 1965 the band had changed name to the Paramounts and was playing the Capri Lounge just off downtown near the old Cleveland Arena, and the Stable in Painesville. Late in 1965 they recorded and released the Warwick 45. The picture in the ad was the band's promo picture for the record. Dennis Pettit, Jackie's brother, was in the band, with Lyle Wilmot and Mike Karosy.
By 1967 Jackie had gone 'solo', steering his act to more standards and lounge style music. He was a featured act at the Top Lite supper club, a new incarnation of Cappelli's, for much of 1968. Meanwhile the Paramounts continued as a band, playing off and on, best we can tell from the ads, including some shows at the Top Lite when Jackie was off. The story on the Paramounts from 1968 lists the band members as Lyle Wilmot, Dennis Pettit, Don Hair, and Mike Karosy (drums).
In 1969 Capitol released a 45 by Jackie, with no band accredation, that recorded in Cleveland. The record is in the 'soft rock' style of the time. The A side was "HIgh On A Hill" which had been a hit years earlier by Scott English. Roger Karshner was the producer, although he had moved to California. The flip side was written by Jackie and Frank Albano of the Losers. During November and December of 1972, the Paramounts name was reactived for some shows at Maruts. Jackie ended up joining Frank Albano and Celebration in late 1973.
Jackie and Celebration were around for a couple years but that seems to have been the end for Jackie as being visible in Cleveland's club scene. Jackie died in 2004. His obituary mentions recording for London records (as well as Warwck and Capitol) but we could not find any reference to a third record by him.
A couple members of the Paramounts were in Ralph's Rock Band, see their entry for more info.
Discography:
Funny Man / Because You're Mine - Warwick 127/8, Oct 1965
High On A Hill / Go My Way - Capitol 2591, Aug 1969