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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. Oz's wife, Sharon Bach has put up a tribute site, complete with photos of Oz, Sharon and family, song lyrics, as well as where to buy re-released Spanky and Our Gang CD's. The site also contains a "VA Horror Story," that recounts the sad way Oz was treated in his final months on earth by the U.S. Government Veterans Administration hospital system. It would certainly seem our government could have done better by both a veteran and individual who creatively gave so much to his country.
Check out Spanky
and Our Gang Videos:
Riley the sheep dog enjoys a 'Lazy Day' 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. Bruce Eder--Has a detailed group history that is worth a read. |
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Spanky has been performing at select events, some solo and a few with ex. Our Ganger's like Nigel Pickering, Kenny Hodges, and John Seiter. In December 2003 she 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.
Curleyfest I, Ferndale, California, October 27, 2001 Mamapalooza, Peoria, Illinois, October 28, 2000 Paramount Theater, Austin, Texas June 3, 2000
St. Augustine Spanky And Our
Gang Reunion
For more pictures, please see Sharon Bach's photo montage from the gathering. On another note, on September 16, 2001, the Trade Winds Lounge held a benefit for former Spanky and Our Gang member Nigel Pickering, who reportedly fell and broke a hip. According to long-time fan Charles Wolff Nigel has a CD out that is "great" and fans should buy it (I'll post particulars if I find out how to do so, or e-mail me if anyone knows). |
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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) |
| Please note that the following 3 pictures are from a web site maintained by Charles Wolff. Check his site out for a few additional photos and occasional updates. |
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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. Also see her well done tribute page to her late husband Oz. |
Charles Wolff's Spanky And Our Gang site--Everyone 'thinks' his was the first group tribute page on the web. |
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Questions or Comments? E-Mail Me |
Top of Page |
| Disclaimer: This is not an official website for Spanky And Our Gang (one does not exist), but simply a fan tribute page. |
