Kingtones History: 1968-Present

The Kingtones History: 1968-Present
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Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame – 2010

The Musical History of the Kingtones can be divided into 3 Periods:
The Pete Mervenne Era, Dave Roberts/Don Henke Era, and Crazy George/Big Jim Era

1957 to 1968 was known as the Pete Mervenne Era. Pete was the lead singer of the band. During this time, the Kingtones put out 5 records, signed a record contract with Cadet Distributing from Detroit, and played top 40 Dance Music to capacity crowds at the hottest night clubs in the area and in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. They also performed with and provided background music for many recording artists of the time: Del Shannon, the Beach Boys, Bobby Vinton, Larry Verne and Bobby Vee were among the many they worked with. From left to right: Bruce Snoap (keyboards); Bob Major (bass); Mike King (drums); Phil Roberts (guitar); Pete Mervenne (lead singer).

1968 to 1981 was the Dave Roberts/Don Henke Era. During this time, the Kingtones put out 2 records, signed a record contract with Atlantic Records, had their 1st record on Atlantic go International, and continued to play dance music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s to capacity crowds: Left: Dave Roberts (bass); Back Center: Bruce Snoap (keyboards); Right: Phil Roberts (guitar); Front Center: Don Henke (drums).

1981 to 2008 was the Crazy George/Big Jim Era. During these years, the Kingtones continued perfecting their dance beat and sound. With the strong drum beat provided by Crazy George and the Elvis like vocals sung by Big Jim, the Kingtones continued playing night clubs, private engagements, VFW Halls and Special Events.

In 1990, the Kingtones played to a record crowd of over 300,000 people in WOOD Radio/Smith Industries “5th” of July Gala. In 1992, DISCoveries, a nationally renowned record collector’s magazine, published an exclusive 2 page article about the band. In 2003, WGVU-TV aired a documentary of the Kingtones. This program won the Aegis Award of Excellence in the Documentary Division. In 2006, the Kingtones received a “Certificate of Appreciation” from the Creston Memorial VFW Post 3023, in recognition of their outstanding support for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In November of 2007, the Kingtones played for their 50th Anniversary/Farewell Dance Party; Tickets for that event sold out in 7 hours. In June of 2010, the Kingtones were inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. They were the top vote getter of all the groups nominated. From left to Right: Bruce Snoap (keyboards); Crazy George (drums); Big Jim (lead singer); Phil Roberts (guitar); Jay Fortier (bass).

www.michiganrockandrolllegends.com

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