in the beginning (1900s-1950s)
The earliest fame-bound Jacksonville musicians were James Weldon Johnson and his brother John Rosamond Johnson. James penned 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' in 1900 and it was performed as a poem in 1900 as part of Stanton's celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Five years later, John set the words to music and by 1919 the NAACP had adopted the song as the Negro National Anthem.
The next big break for a local came in the late 20s when Arthur Blake aka Blind Blake hit the scene. A prolific blues guitarist and singer, Blake recorded 80 songs between 1926 and 1932, his distinct sound earning him the title "King of Ragtime Guitar." Very little is known about Blind Blake's life, everything from his real name to the cause of his death has been debated. One thing is certain- the music he made during his brief career has influenced blues musicians the world over.
No list of Jacksonville legends would be complete without mentioning Ray Charles. Considered by many to be one of the greatest artists of all time, Charles attended school at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine from 1937-1945. It was there that he was taught to play piano and where he performed in front of an audience for the first time. In 1945 Charles moved to Jacksonville and began performing at the Ritz Theatre where he performed with Teddy Washington in the Tiny York Band. He remained here for just a year before moving on and taking over the music world.
the golden years (1960s-1970s)
Though there were a number of artists from Jacksonville that had small success stories here and there in the 50s, most agree that Jacksonville didn't really come into its own musically until the 70s. Classics IV was the first indication that something special was about to happen in the River City. The pop rock group formed in 1965 with Dennis Yost on vocals and drums, James R. Cobb and Wally Eaton on guitar and Joe Wilson (later Dean Daughtry) on bass. Three years later the band enjoyed their first chart-topping single, 'Spooky,' followed by four more hits between 1968 and 1972.
In 1969, something changed Jacksonville and the music world forever and that was the formation of the Allman Brothers Band. Daytona boys Gregg and Duane Allman had gone through a number of bands (including the Almond Joys) and band mates before meeting Butch Trucks, a Jacksonville native who was performing in a local band called the Bitter Ind. (aka the 31st of February). Trucks and the Allmans were joined by Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson and the Allman Brothers Band was born. The group is said to be the "principal architects of Southern Rock," their sound serving as inspiration for countless bands both here and around the country.
While they did form six years before the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd didn't become a household name until 1973 when they were tapped to open for the Who during their North America tour. Another key player in Jacksonville's Southern Rock revolution, Skynyrd produced four platinum-selling albums in as many years, each boasting a song that remains a classic to this day. Members of Lynyrd Skynyrd would go on to perform in other big name local rock acts like .38 Special and Blackfoot.
Rounding out the First Coast's rock roots is Molly Hatchet, yet another example of Southern Rock at its finest. After a few years of performing in area bars and roadhouses, the band signed to Epic Records and released their self-titled debut in 1978. One year later Molly Hatchet's sophomore record, Flirtin' with Disaster, cemented the band's place in rock history.
a new generation (1980s-2005)
While most of Jacksonville's big-name Southern Rock acts continued on through the 80s, much of decade proved to be pretty quiet for our fair city. Sure, there were a few acts here and there that made minor waves, but nothing truly substantial came out of Jax until the Miami bass insurgence of the early 90s. The fad brought three local acts out of obscurity including 95 South, whose 1993 single 'Whoot, There It Is' reached #11 on the Billboard charts (not to be confused with Tag Team's 'Whoomp! There It Is,' which was released a month later). A year later 69 Boyz got their break with 'Tootsee Roll' and Quad City DJs followed suit in 1995 with 'C'mon 'N Ride It (The Train).'
In 1994, Jacksonville's scene took another turn with the formation of Limp Bizkut. The nu-metal group found significant success with hits like 'Counterfeit' and their spin on George Michael's 'Faith.' Limp Bizkut front man, Fred Durst, in turn helped local alt-rockers Cold get their chance at stardom when he passed on their demo to an exec at A&M Records. The band was signed in 1998 and went on to produce two gold records.
Jacksonville was not immune to the pop punk resurgence of the mid-90s. Inspection 12 formed in 1994 while most of the members were still in junior high. The band was something of a regional success story and stuck around until they were finally noticed in 2000 by Fat Mike of famed punk label Fat Wreck Chords. The band transitioned to Takeover Records in 2005.
Yellowcard was not content to simply wait to be discovered. After self-releasing three CDs the punk outfit, which formed in 1997, headed to California to find their fortune. Small indie labels produced and distributed their next two efforts before Yellowcard was signed to Capitol in 2003. With singles 'Ocean Avenue' and 'Way Away,' the band became something of an overnight sensation, gracing magazine covers, performing at award shows and appearing on movie and video game soundtracks.
today and tomorrow
Today Jacksonville musicians are still making headlines and topping charts. Rock outfits Shinedown and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have sold millions upon millions of records worldwide and indie pop phenoms Black Kids became international sensations when they hit the scene in 2006. And with emerging talents like the recently signed Shawn Fisher and the often buzzed about Sunbears! (who were recently tapped to record a song for Nickelodeon's Yo Gabba Gabba), it's clear that Jacksonville will be making many more contributions to music history.
by kellie abrahamson
originally published in EU: November 10, 2009
http://www.eujacksonville.com/story2.php?storyid=1221
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Wacca Pilatka
November 11, 2009, 12:30:21 PMAlso worthy of mention:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_boren_axton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Tillotson
hillary supporter
November 15, 2009, 12:15:48 PMSteve Stilletto and the Switchblades, Blaine Crews Band, Great Invisibles and just a few others were among the first rock bands in Jacksonville to perform their own original material solely. Back in early 80s.
Rein Sanction ( with Ian Chase) didnt sell a lot of records but, more importantly, signed to Subpop, rocks most preeminent label.
They were produced by legendary Jack Endino, early producer of Nirvana.
Jacksonvilles original music scene is as good as anyones. Will the artists make money, fame? No but but they are still as good as anyone out there.
jandar
November 15, 2009, 07:58:49 PMEvergreen Terrace is another indie band that makes a scene.
10 years and going strong.
stjr
November 15, 2009, 09:08:11 PMWhat, no mention of Slim Whitman?
The lady who wrote Heartbreak Hotel for Elvis and some other great hits?
Tim McGraw being born here? (His mom still lives here.)
Pat Boone?
How about local successes in other musical genres?
Just stretching the subject
Ocklawaha
November 18, 2009, 11:33:18 PMRuby Starr of Grey Ghost
Black Oak Arkansas -
The group, originally called "The Knowbody Else", was formed in 1965 in Black Oak, Arkansas, by James Mangrum (vocals), Ricky Reynolds (guitar), Stanley Knight (guitar), Harvey Jett (guitar), Pat Daugherty (bass), and Wayne Evans (drums). Their first PA system was stolen from a local high school and members of the group were subsequently charged with grand larceny (hippies stole a state road grader and went for a joy ride... damn, imagine that) and sentenced to 26 years at the Tucker Prison Farm (this sentence was later suspended.) This led to their retreat to the hills of rural northeast Arkansas where they lived off the land and refined their musical style. Some of their influences during this time were The Beatles and The Byrds.
The Knowbody Else moved to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1969 and signed a record deal with Stax Records. Their self-titled debut album, and their only album with Stax, was largely ignored by the populace. During this time the band became interested in psychedelia and Eastern spiritualism which, combined with their Southern Baptist upbringing, contributed to their sound.
After several trips to Los Angeles, California in 1970, the band was signed by Atco Records and rechristened "Black Oak Arkansas". Their self-titled debut album Black Oak Arkansas was released in 1971 while the band toured extensively, gaining a reputation as a live act.
CHECK OUT: http://www.southernrocksociety.com/srs2008/
It would be tough to say who was first, but several history sites credit BOA and the Allman Brothers as developing the sound. The two groups pulled from their country roots and Baptist backgrounds, they developed very different sounds each with a unique guitar attack. Saw them in Hollywood. Great acts. Ruby Starr damn near stole the show from BOA with what had to be the sexiest hippie chick moves on stage to date. Sadly she died young of cancer, a beautiful flower taken in her prime.
OCKLAWAHA
Dog Walker
Yesterday at 08:58:36 AMRobert Marcus is from Jax. Wasn't Ray Charles originally from here too?
Ocklawaha
Yesterday at 11:19:18 AMTalk about opportunity missed, not only was Ray Charles from Jacksonville, but the club where he got his start is still standing. The COJ now owns it and is "looking" for a use! DUH!
It would take some coin to restore it, as the walls are missing from the lower floor while the second floor is brick sided. Everything else is concrete and steel.
If rebuilt into a club, one I'll call "RAY'S", it would not only be a tourist attraction but the anchor of new development in LaVilla. A new courthouse nearby and I think it couldn't miss.
Got bucks? Call me!
JACKSONVILLE? Of course not darling, it's Albany, Georgia.
OCKLAWAHA
stjr
Yesterday at 12:03:38 PMOck, I don't think Charles was born or originally from Jax based on the biographical movie, Ray, but elsewhere in rural North Florida. In fact, Jacksonville is never mentioned in the movie as I recall. My understanding is he did go to the Florida State School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine and lived and played in Jax for a short and formative period of his early years. Don't have time to double check it at the moment but I am sure we can verify it on the internet.
Wacca Pilatka
Yesterday at 12:09:09 PMRay did live in Jax and perform at Genovar's Hall and other venues, as mentioned upthread, and he did attend the School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine. However, I think he was born in rural Georgia.
fsujax
Yesterday at 12:11:06 PMGenovars Hall what a cool place it could be, but yet another financial debacle from our city leaders.
JeffreyS
Yesterday at 12:25:00 PMTim McGraw is a major performer to miss on that list.
Ocklawaha
Yesterday at 12:25:27 PMRAY'S
The whole day through (the whole day through)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I said a Georgia, Georgia
A song of you (a song of you)
Comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in the peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
I said Georgia, oh Georgia, no peace I find (no peace i find)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind oh)
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
Oh Georgia,
No peace, no peace I find
Just an old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
Oh Georgia, Georgia
No peace, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I said just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
Yes STJR, born in Georgia, but lived here and first hit the stage in our downtown "club". RAY'S would be the most happening place downtown if the city and an investor had ANY vision.
Southern Fried Rock and Blues hall of fame? Museum? Restaurant? Gift Shop? Geeze Louise! Ave Maria!
OCKLAWAHA
Ocklawaha
Yesterday at 12:37:38 PMAnother lost son?
In the Spring of 1967 San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair) became a hit all over the world. The record was produced by Lou Adler and Papa John Phillips, written by Phillips, and sung by Scott McKenzie.
Scott was born Philip Blondheim in 1939 on 10 January and not 1 October as is very often reported. He was born in Jacksonville Beach , Florida.
Weird shit man, he moved to Joshua Tree, California in the 1970's and I didn't know it. In that same timeframe another Jax boy (ME) bought his place in Landers, California, not 30 miles away. We both would have done our shopping in Yucca Valley, and damn, why didn't I know this? I love that song Scott!
Surprisingly, Scott McKenzie dislikes the sound of his own voice. This is perhaps another of the reasons that he didn't continue a recording career. Scott has given permission for this web page. However, in his own words, "I can't imagine any one having the slightest interest in me." Perhaps he doesn't know just how much his songs have touched people all around the world.
Wouldn't it be great to have Scott involved in our museum plans!
OCKLAWAHA
Ocklawaha
Yesterday at 01:01:07 PMThe video can't be embeded on MJ, but it is a ... TRIP! Check out Scott's biggest hit here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB2tYYYlwMc
hee hee ! HA! HA!
OHAWALKCA
"FAR OUT MAN!"
Charles Hunter
Yesterday at 11:08:39 PMI heard a story that Ray Charles ended up playing in Seattle, Washington, because he asked a friend "What's the farthest place from here (Jacksonville)." Might be apocryphal, though.
stjr
Today at 12:38:01 AMWhy can't one of our talented citizens (or even ex-citizens) write a hit song longing about Jacksonville instead of "Sweet Home" Alabama, "Georgia" on My Mind, or Saaaan Fraaaancisco?!