Toots and the Maytals: The 1968 release “Do the Reggay” was credited with being the first popular song to use the term “Reggae.” Legend says Toots’ success was the inspiration that led to Bob Marley giving up a promising career as a crooner and opening act for geriatric heartthrob Andy Williams and trying his hand at Reggae. Good move Bob!
The Vinegaroons: The Indie rock quartet hailed from Santa Monica, California and ruled the 70’s. Their iconic “Fat Dog Blues” spent 6 consecutive weeks #1 on the chart; that chart being Dr. Demento’s list of the “most demented records in L.A.” Lead vocals and songwriter Greg Garfield, bass and vocals Phil Brandon, rhythm guitar and vocals Yanaki Sockamockus were a unique child of their times; destined to flame out before they earned the wealth they so richly deserved. But the music world is in total agreement that there has never been a professional drummer that earned a living as a musician with the level of skill demonstrated by their stick-man known only as “Squeeze.” Where are they now?
Waiting 4 Wyatt: From the start their 2005 classic album “What Are You Waiting For?” turned the music world upside down. Emerging from the bubbling cauldron of the Alt-Rocking tidal wave in California’s San Fernando Valley, their unique brand of Rock & Roll was both new and comfortable at the same time. They quickly developed a cult following dubbed “The Wait Staff,” fewer in numbers by the super-group standards of The Grateful Dead”, but rivaling Dead Heads in their passion, loyalty and ability to serve food. Waiting 4 Wyatt is still envied for creating one of the coolest Band-Name/Album-Title combos ever. Hearing the phrase “What Are You Waiting For? continues to cause a stirring in one’s loins! Their anthem “Time After Time” has often been copied, but never equaled. Rumor has it a bootlegged non-fungible token copy of their album went for $600,000.00 on the dark web.
Ask yourself the question on the lips of music aficionados everywhere: Why are none of these groups represented in Cleveland, Ohio?