Neal Ford and the Fanatics
Neal Ford and the Fanatics | |
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Houston, Texas , United States | |
Genres | |
Years active | 1964 | –1970
Labels |
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Past members | Neal Ford Johnny Stringfellow Jon Pereles W. T. Johnson Dennis Senter Steven Ames Lanier Greig |
Neal Ford and the Fanatics were an American
History
In the end of 1964, Neal Ford (
Shortly thereafter, Ford was called up from the Naval Reserve, and, until late-1965, the band's recording activities were at a standstill. Upon Ford's return, Senter was replaced by Steven Ames (né Stephen Charles Ames; born 1947), while his older brother, Richard "Dick" Ames (né Richard Curtis Ames; 1940–2008), created Tantara Records to release the group's second single, the folk rock tune, "Bitter Bells", in January 1966.[3] Through the summer of 1966, Neal Ford and the Fanatics profile rose steadily, with extensive airplay in Houston, multiple appearances on the Larry Kane Show, and well-attended shows at a venue called the Catacombs alongside nationally successful acts including The Beach Boys and The Lovin' Spoonful.[4] Ford recalls, "We got a tremendous amount of exposure. It was a good time to be playing rock and roll music. It was the last time that radio stations could really help local groups and accentuate the talent that was in the area."[2]
By the summer of 1966, Ames departed the band to pursue a management position for the group,
In 2013, Ace Records (United Kingdom) released "Good Men," a compilation focusing on the group's more rocking sides. In 2019, Chunk Archives Recordings released "Every Night a New Surprise," with garage rock veteran Mal Thursday adding vocals and harmonica to a previously unfinished Neal Ford and The Fanatics backing track from 1966.
Lanier Greig (born August 20, 1948 in Houston, Texas) died on February 15, 2013, at age 64.[7]
Neal Ford died on May 17, 2021. No cause of death was given, but he had been fighting complications of COVID-19 for several months. He was 78.[8]
References
- ^ a b Palao, Alec (2013). Good Men (CD liner notes). Ace Records.
- ^ a b "Neal Ford and the Fanatics". thompsonian.info. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen. "Neal Ford and the Fanatics - Biography". allmusic.com. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
- ISBN 9781782790945.
- ^ "Neal Ford and the Fanatics... continued". thompsonian.info. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
- ^ "Neal Ford and the Fanatics". allmusic.com. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
- ^ "Lanier Holland Greig, Jr August 20, 1948 - February 15, 2013". beckchapels.com. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
- ^ Dansby, Andrew (May 17, 2021). "Houston rock pioneer Neal Ford dies at age 78". Retrieved May 20, 2021.
External links
- Neal Ford and the Fanatics discography at Discogs