The late 1950s was a time of innocence in West Michigan and around the country. Life was simple and hopes were high. The rock music scene was in its infancy and the dreams of teen groups were pinned on the willingness of someone's parents to let their band practice in the garage. Small record labels were producing 45s for radio airplay and local fans to buy. Sharp-looking teen musicians with matching suits and neat haircuts played to huge crowds of teens at local dances on weekends, hoping to be part of the phenomenon sweeping the nation. In a garage in Grand Rapids, a group of young men were gathering their high hopes and starting a band, soon to be known throughout the Midwest as The Kingtones. In 1961, The Kingtones hit the charts with "Wish for an Angel" and started a musical legacy that would last almost half a century. They raced up the charts and found local fame, while struggling to reach outside of Michigan. In the midst of the British Invasion, The Kingtones saw their records passed over in Detroit and Chicago. But through trying times and a rotating line-up, the band has stayed together and has stood the test of time while remaining one of West Michigan's most popular acts. Today, the heritage of The Kingtones lives on in Bruce Snoap and Phil Roberts, the two remaining Kingtones; with George Campbell, Jim Lewis, and Jay Fortier completing the group's roster. For booking questions or other information you might want answers to about the Kingtones, please email your request to: kingtones1957@hotmail.com
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