the Lime


Akron, 1966-9

The Lime were formed by three Sanders brothers, Larry, Russ, and Steve, while students at Firestone High School. Larry had played in two short lived combos prior to the Lime, the Missing Link and the People (whose drummer, John Maroney, was later in the Destinies). Rounding out the original Lime lineup were Mickey Pappano (drums) and Dana Leisure (keyboards). The Lime sound was top 40, with Beatles, Rascals, and lighter Motown covers featured. The Sanders family were prominent in Akron real estate and provided management and top equipment for the band. The Lime played the local circuit of teen dances until they decided to record a few songs at Akron Recording. The first 45, "Love A Go Go" b/w "Soul Kitchen, including a pic sleeve that was printed by the band, was financed by the Sanders family and took off quickly, getting regional airplay and sales. The picture sleeve photo was taken behind Loews Theatre in downtown Akron, where the Lime had opened for Cowsills. Bill Palmer started managing the band and got "Love A Go Go" placed to Chess records. Chess issued the 45 with a strong band original, "Hey Girl", that was recorded at the same time as the A side, a good move in terms of getting royalties, checks which were dutifly handled by Mrs. Sanders. Thanks to the quality of the recording, "Love A Go Go" got airplay on several US stations in Illinois and Texas, as well as Calgary. The band started getting prime bookings at the Note, Chippewa Lake (opening for the Young Rascals and Neil Diamond) and Musicarnival (opening for the Doors, a somewhat legendary show I'm told). In the summer of '68 they recorded their second 45 at Cleveland Recording. "Beautiful Day" was a Larry Sanders composition, while the flipside was "Satisfied", a cover of the Dantes song that the Lime learned from their live appearances. This record was issued on Interpolation, another of Bill Palmer's ideas. This record was also a strong local hit and got picked up for release by Dot records, in stereo even! The orchestration on "Beautiful Day" was done by Dick Whittington. In '69 they recorded for a nationwide milk advertising campaign by Reiters dairy. This deal, struck by Bill Palmer, resulted in three songs recorded at Agency Recording - "She's Leaving Home", "Emily", and one unknown title. It's not sure if the songs were ever actually used. The Lime broke up in '70 as members graduated high school moved on to other projects. Jon Guttman (formerly of the Chambermen) had joined on drums shortly before the band ended.

After the Lime ended, Larry recorded a "solo" 45 at Cleveland Recording, with backing by Chylds members Joe Vitale (drums) and Dave Jackson (keyboards). American Artists (the partnership of Andy Apperson and Larry Woolson) financed the record on their custom Stone Head label and got good action on the strong A side, "Child of December".