I’ve been meaning do this for awhile - namely, telling the brief history of a band I was involved with during an earlier time.
Cole Tuckey, a band that blended folk and rock into original music, played in Kansas and the Midwest from 1975-1980. Inspired by the early success of having one of its songs (Passing Fancy) as a top favorite on the main KC rock station (KY102), as well as songs played on stations in other cities, including Saint Louis, Columbia, Mo, and Wichita, and opening for Lynard Skynard and Bonnie Raitt, the band went on to play major venues and clubs – making the Lawrence Opera House its home. Due to its large fan following, the band was picked up by major recording artists (Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Kenny Loggins) to be the opening act when they came to the Midwest.
Eventually, the band headlined in concerts in Kansas City, Saint Louis and elsewhere. The band was composed of Janet Jameson (lead vocals, violin), Allen Weiss (songwriter, lead vocals, guitar, and piano), Paul Dalen (guitar), David Grund (bass), Bill Brennan (drums), with other drummers including Stuart Doors and Keith Boucher. Jimmy Harlow also spent time in the band on keyboards. Jim Stringer joined us as well.
Janet recently recalled the events in Lawrence and Columbia when we played, of how people lined up/ camped out / with the lines winding around the block as early as 2:00pm to get in for our final shows. They even covered the people lined up on the localTV stations. I was told we held the attendance record at the Lawrence Opera house long after that.
Cole Tuckey focused on original music but also played songs that highlighted Janet’s unique singing and playing styles. This led to some songs (e.g., Nobody Knows You When Your Down and Out) becoming standards for the band. Other major songs that received airplay or became favorites of the band’s followers included Jitterbug Cowboy, Last Chance Fever, Takin’ More Time Now, and It’s Got to Feel Right.
Finally, how did we get this funny name? Try coming up with name for a band sometime, and then if you choose something good enough, well, if you become somewhat successful, the name stays with you.
