Not
too long ago we received the following communication-in-writing which
explains itself:
"Dear
Mr. Kelly:
"I know I have no business writing to you like this. I doubt if you'll
be able to help me or whether you'll even want to, but I had to try.
"I am a girl 15 and very much interested in journalism. Every time I give
anything a try, it gets messed up in some way. I never seem to get a real
chance at anything.
"I suppose by now you're wondering why I'm writing to you instead of Ann
Landers who solves anyone's problems Well this is a problem that even
good ole Ann couldn't solve. But I was talking to a friend of mine today
and she told me she thought maybe you might help Me.
"She
is Kathy Pursell and she wrote a story on the Roemans which you printed
in your column. She said you had a hard time getting it In print because
it was about a group.
"I
don't see what difference that makes as long as the public reads it. After
all, teenagers are the public, too, and there's not much in the paper
as it is for US to read. I think an article should be printed once in
awhile which would interest the youth of today.
"I've
become acquainted within the past month with a new band in the area called
'The Canadian Rogues.' I may do a magazine article on them., but I'd like
to write a newspaper Interview first.
"I'm
sure I could get the interview and I know I could concoct a good story
- one that would be worth printing and reading. The only thing I don't
have is the space in the paper to print it! Would you be willing to help
me, or don't you think there's any way?
"Sincerely,
Cyndee
McCoy."
The
following is our reply to Cyndee:
|
THE
CANADIAN ROGUES
By Cyndee McCoy |
||
The
new sound around the Bay area is coming from a group called "The Canadian
Rogues."
Although
the Rogues' name is just becoming noticed around Tampa, the boys have
been together about three years.They
play quite a bit on Florida's east coast. The boys were also on a
nationwide tour with major recording stars including Roy Orbison;
Sam, the Sham; Steve Alamo; the Shangri-Las and others. This was all
due to Bo Roberts, their road manager whom they met in Atlanta and
who has toured with them ever since.Let's
meet the boys:. . . WILLIE METTS, the singer, was born in Montreal. He's 20 - the oldest of the group - and is not married. While on the east coast, the boys tried to do a little surfing but so far, poor Willie hasn't been able to find a board big enough! . . . DOUG ENGLISH is the 19-year-old drummer who gives the "Rogues" their beat. He was born in Montreal, also, and is single. He collects class rings, girls, and If any of you have an extra ring around, he says to send it to him! . . . HARVEY CRISWELL provides the fabulous sound of the lead guitar. He is a very talent young man of 19. He was born in Indianapolis. Harvey is the leader of the band but he still comes second to Moose Vosburg, the Personal manager. (Moose is also the owner of the Eldorado Showcase in St. Petersburg.) Harvey will be attending the University of Florida in Gainesville this year. . . . DANE STREETS is rhythm guitarist for the "rogues." Dane was born in Montreal and is 19 at present though another birthday is coming soon. He is the shy one of the band. But, like the others, he agrees: "We love the Florida crowds - especially the fans! The kids In Florida are tops!" . . . RONNIE HARRELL Is the short (6 foot, two inch) bass guitar player of the group. Ronnie's the other "rogue" not born in Canada. He's a native of Evansville, Indiana and is the youngest, being only 18. Although he never smiles while on stage, Ronnie's not as unfriendly as may appear, Off-stage he never stops smiling! Like Willie, Dane and Doug, Ronnie will be attending Polk Junior College this year since Lakeland is home to them all. The
attraction which gave Canadian Rogues" their greatest fame around
Tampa was a record called "Have You Found Somebody New?" After it
caught on, it spread like an epidemic and even made the "Top 50" chart.
This record was just released up north and is doing equally as well,
if not better, than down here. Another record release is planned in
the near future.If
you would be interested in joining "The Canadian Rogues' Fan Club,"
write to me, Cyndee McCoy, the president, **** W. Henry Avenue, Tampa
33603. |
CANADIAN ROGUES—Left to right, they are Ronnie
Harrell, Harvey Criswell,
Dane Streets, Willie Metts (the vocalist) and Doug English —
(photo by Harold Gettins)