the Loreys

Sparta, 1966-9

A band from a very rural area located Northeast of Columbus, the Loreys (also seen spelled as Lorries) were started by six students at Highland High School in Sparta. The original Loreys were Ernie Duncan (keyboards), John Boston (lead guitar), Murv Mast (rhythm guitar), Larry Roades (bass), John Hinkle (drums), and Ted Fuller (singer). Bob Steinbrink replaced Larry Roades, and this lineup, or close to it, competed in the '67 Northland Battle of the Bands, where they are heard performing "Don't You Care" on the LP.

After many personnel changes, the group consisted of Steve Baker (singer), Aaron Kerns (lead guitar), Ed Hartman (keyboards), Herb Sample (rhythm guitar), with Hinkle and Steinbrink as the only holdovers. This group recorded two original songs, written by Steve Baker, in Columbus (studio unknown) and got the 45 released on a label called Cathay records. The titles were "Goin' Downtown" and "Ready to Go", both sides solid rock-n-roll with a nod to bands like Steppenwolf. Cathay was based in Arkansas but one of the label principals had family in the Columbus area and somehow the record got a release.