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| One of my Favorite 60's groups
(1966-1969) was out of Chicago, headed up by female lead vocal, Elaine 'Spanky'
McFarlane, and appropriately called Spanky and Our Gang. Other group members included Malcolm Hale, Oz (Paul) Bach, Nigel Pickering, Lefty Baker (true name Eustace Britchforth), John Seiter, and Kenny Hodges. The group did not release many songs, but several of them, particularly, Sunday Will Never Be The Same (performed June 18, 1967 on the Ed Sullivan variety show), Lazy Day, and Like to Get to Know You, embody the idealism of that era, and are timeless. Spanky's powerful voice, great supporting harmonies, and song arrangements, are what made for such a unique sound. Tragically, group member Malcolm Hale died in 1968, as did Lefty Baker in 1971. More recently, (September 1998), founding group member, Oz Bach, succumbed to a lengthy battle with cancer.
Sharon Bach, wife of founding
member Oz Bach has put up the ultimate
tribute
site, complete with photos of Check out Spanky
and Our Gang Videos:
Check out the lyrics for Lazy Day--such an uplifting song! Kind of like Sunday Will Never Be The
Same, due to
the loss of so many group members, Spanky and Our Gang will never be the
same, but the great tunes and memories will live on forever. |
Spanky
was back performing March 9, 2012 at Armando's Martinez, Calif.
http://www.zvents.com/martinez-ca/events/show/240641104-spanky-our-gang
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In December 2003 Spanky teamed up with singing legend Chris Montez performing at the San Carlos 60's Music Festival. Thanks to Leslie Sahlen for helping organize the event, and allowing the use of these photos.
St. Augustine Spanky And Our
Gang Reunion
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Another key figure in the evolution of Spanky and Our Gang has unfortunately met her maker. Lorraine Marie Blue (best known as Mother Blue and/or Mama Blue) passed away in her sleep on June 16, 2000 at 3:45 AM of lymphoma at her home in Sacramento. A memorial was held on July 29, in Sacramento, and was also observed at other locations by friends not able to attend. Spanky, Ginni Clemmens, and other friends wrote and performed songs in her honor. Donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society. Please see Sharon Bach's Mother Blue memorial page. |
| The following pictures (Click To Enlarge) are from a compilation called Spanky's Greatest Hit(s), which is no longer in distribution. Thanks to Sharon Bach for identifying the band members, and her personal insights. |
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| "In the choir robes (pose from the Smothers Brothers show incidentally - they were singing Leopard Skin Phones, alternating between brightly colored 'mod' clothes in front of a huge stereo system and the choir robe pose) They are, from left to right, front row, Nigel (Pickering), Spanky (McFarlane), John (Seiter), back row, Kenny (Hodges), Lefty (Baker)." (Click To Enlarge) | "In the solo photo is Malcolm (Hale), who passed away before the final release of the 3rd album. He does perform on that album, however." |
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Spanky and Our Gang Play The Hollywood Palace (courtesy of Sharon Bach, Click To Enlarge) |
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Spanky And Our Gang "Without Rhyme Or Reason" LP Cover Insert. Thanks to Jim F. for providing the image (Click To Enlarge) |
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| Elaine "Spanky"
McFarlane with The New Wine Singers, a group that preceded Spanky And
Our Gang. This is the LP "The New
Wine Singers At The Chicago Opera House." Thanks to Jim F. for providing the LP images (Click To Enlarge) |
Elaine "Spanky" (pictured at the microphone) with The New Wine Singers
"The New Wave. Wonder if this was
one of the first uses of the term "New Wave," in the music
world? Thanks to Jim F. for providing the LP images (Click To Enlarge) |
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| Sheet music for Lazy Day, Like To Get To Know You, Making
Every Minute Count.
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Spanky & Our Gang concert ticket, Valparaiso University,
Indiana, May 10, 1968 |
Spanky & Our Gang, Armadillo World Headquarters, Austin, Texas February 20, 1977 | Distance-Sunday Will Never Be The Same, 45 picture
sleeve. Label & Number: Mercury 127 278 Pressing (Land & Year): Holland 1967 |
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| Spanky McFarlane, 1990's
(Click To Enlarge) Video Of Spanky at Rock & Rolls' Main Event press conference, Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles, California, Summer 1989 |
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Spanky And Our Gang Links |
| --Sharon Bach's
Spanky
And Our Gang Web Portal--A must see gateway to all things Spanky And
Our Gang produced by wife of founding group member Oz Bach. -- Spanky McFarlane and Curley Tait Video Interview (great historical discussion by Spanky, 6:04) |
| Disclaimer: This is not an official website for Spanky And Our Gang (one does not exist), but simply a fan tribute page. |
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Questions or Comments? E-Mail Me |
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