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The Gentrys - 1966 - Keep On Dancing
Formed in 1963 in Memphis, Tennessee, The Gentrys forged their early reputation playing high school dances. The group - Larry Raspberry (vocals, guitar), Bruce Bowles (vocals), Jimmy Hart (vocals), Bobby Fisher (tenor saxophone, piano, guitar), Jimmy Johnson (trumpet, organ), Pat Neal (bass) and Larry Wall (drums) - later won the city's "Battle Of The Bands" contest and within months had secured a recording contract with the independent Youngstown label. Their first release, "Sometimes", was coupled with the infectious "Keep On Dancing', an R&B track that attracted more interest than the a-side. The major label MGM Records picked up the national distribution rights to the single, resulting in the single reaching number 4 in the US charts, subsequently selling in excess of one million copies. The song was later covered by the Bay City Rollers, giving them their first chart hit in 1971.The Gentrys were unable to repeat their early success, but remained a popular live attraction throughout America's southern states. After the break-up of the group in 1970, Jimmy Hart resuscitated The Gentrys' name by forming a new line-up with Steve Speer (bass), Dave Beaver (keyboards), Jimmy Tarbutton (guitar) and Mike Gardner (drums). This incarnation achieved some success with minor placings in the singles chart. Late-period member Rick Allen resurfaced in The Box Tops, while Raspberry later embarked on a solo career, leading a new group, The High-Steppers. 01. Keep On Dancing 02. Everybody To Their Own Kick 03. Sometimes 04. Hang On Sloopy 05. Hey Girl Don't Bother Me 06. Brown Paper Sack 07. Do You Love Me 08. Hand Jive 09. So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad) 10. Don't Send Me No Flowers 11. Little Girl Next Door 12. Make Up Your Mind 13. Spread It On Thick 14. Everyday I Have To Cry
