Mickey Farrell and the Generals / Mickey Farrell and the Dynamics

Farrell, PA, late 1950s - early 1960s

Mickey Farrell led fronted a band that originated in the Sharon/Farrell, PA area but had much ot their career based in Ohio. Mickey chose the name Farrell from the city name. His given name is Michael J. Esposito.

The band started as Mickey Farrell and the Generals. They recorded a 45 on Tammy that was in the vocal group style. It was moderately successful, compared to other Tammy label records. 

The band played a lot in the Youngstown area from 1959 through 1962-3, Idora Park, and nightclubs.Sometime in 1962-3 they changed from the Generals to the Dynamics.

In 1963-4 they had a residency at the Peppermint Lounge in Columbus. They were booked by Howdy Gorman's Capitol Attractions, based in Columbus. The Dynamics members were Ray Chizmar on guitar, Tom Telega on bass, and Lou Rosa on drums in a January 1964 Youngstown newspaper bit. Also in the band was sax player John H.

Mickey and the Dynamics recorded two 45s for the King label subsidiary Bethlehem. The 45s have consecutive master numbers which suggests they were recorded at the same time. The first 45 came out in May 1963 and had the R&B novelty "Wong Foo" with a vocal group sound on the b-side. The record was a regional hit. The second 45 was held out until late 1963 or early 1964. The timing of that release seemed to match with US Beatlemania and that probably killed the record.

The band continued to play into 1965. Mickey then joined with Akronite Larry Alltop to form Mickey, Larry, and the Exciters.

Mickey moved to Cincinnati in the late 1970s and became involved with local government. He returned to using Michael "Mickey" Esposito, but still performed on occasion in local clubs.

Discography:
Never Too Late / I'm Searching - Tammy 1009, Sept 1960
Wong Foo / We Did the Bossa Nova - Bethlehem 3069, May 1963
Baby Mine / I'm Calling On You - Bethlehem 3080, 1964