The Tropics in Suits
Tropics (Musical group)
Tampa (Fla.)
Music--Florida
Rock bands--Florida
Rock music--United States
Rhythm and blues music--United States
R&B (Music)
Musicians--Southern States
The Tropics, a Tampa-based band, wearing pinstripe suits. From left to right is Buddy Pendergrass, Mel Dryer, Charlie Souza, Bobby Shea, and Eric Turner. The Tropics, also known as "The Bitchin' Red Band" when performing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, were founded in 1964 in Tampa, Florida, consisting of Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and keyboard, Eric Turner on guitar and vocals, Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Bobby Shea on drums, and Charlie Souza on bass guitar and vocals. They were performing around the state and the Southeastern United States by the summer of 1965, opening for popular acts such as The Who, The Young Rascals, and Herman's Hermits. The band won the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, taking first place over 441 bands, including future successful acts like Tommy James and the Shondells and Chicago. This won the group a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they recorded the single, "Take the Time," which was played on Dick Clark's <em>American Bandstand</em>, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.
Original color photograph: <a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/bands-artists.php" target="_blank">Profiles: Bands & Artists</a>, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
<a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society</a>
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Tampa, Florida
The Tropics in Red Costumes
Tropics (Musical group)
Tampa (Fla.)
Cocoa Beach (Fla.)
Music--Florida
Rock bands--Florida
Rock music--United States
Rhythm and blues music--United States
R&B (Music)
Musicians--Southern States
The Tropics, a Tampa-based band, wearing red and white costumes. From left to right is Bobby Shea, Mel Dryer, Buddy Pendergrass, Eric Turner, and Charlie Souza. The Tropics, also known as "The Bitchin' Red Band" when performing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, were founded in 1964 in Tampa, Florida, consisting of Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and keyboard, Eric Turner on guitar and vocals, Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Bobby Shea on drums, and Charlie Souza on bass guitar and vocals. They were performing around the state and the Southeastern United States by the summer of 1965, opening for popular acts such as The Who, The Young Rascals, and Herman's Hermits. The band won the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, taking first place over 441 bands, including future successful acts like Tommy James and the Shondells and Chicago. This won the group a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they recorded the single, "Take the Time," which was played on Dick Clark's <em>American Bandstand</em>, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.
Original color photograph: <a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/bands-artists.php" target="_blank">Profiles: Bands & Artists</a>, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
<a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society</a>
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Tampa, Florida
Cocoa Beach Pier, Cocoa Beach, Florida
The Tropics in Ascots
Tropics (Musical group)
Tampa (Fla.)
Music--Florida
Rock bands--Florida
Rock music--United States
Rhythm and blues music--United States
R&B (Music)
Musicians--Southern States
The Tropics, a Tampa-based band, wearing ascots. In the back row from left to right is Eric Turner, Bobby Shea, and Buddy Pendergrass. In the front row from left to right is Mel Dryer and Charlie Souza.<br /><br />The Tropics, also known as "The Bitchin' Red Band" when performing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, were founded in 1964 in Tampa, Florida, consisting of Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and keyboard, Eric Turner on guitar and vocals, Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Bobby Shea on drums, and Charlie Souza on bass guitar and vocals. They were performing around the state and the Southeastern United States by the summer of 1965, opening for popular acts such as The Who, The Young Rascals, and Herman's Hermits. The band won the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, taking first place over 441 bands, including future successful acts like Tommy James and the Shondells and Chicago. This won the group a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they recorded the single, "Take the Time," which was played on Dick Clark's <em>American Bandstand</em>, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.
Original color photograph: <a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/bands-artists.php" target="_blank">Profiles: Bands & Artists</a>, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
<a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society</a>
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eng
Still Image
Tampa, Florida
The Tropics in Plant City, 1966
Tropics (Musical group)
Tampa (Fla.)
Plant City (Fla.)
Music--Florida
Rock bands--Florida
Rock music--United States
Rhythm and blues music--United States
R&B (Music)
Concerts
Musicians--Southern States
The Tropics performing live at Planteen Recreation Center, located at 301 Dort Street in Plant City, Florida, in 1966. The Tropics, also known as "The Bitchin' Red Band" when performing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, were founded in 1964 in Tampa, Florida, consisting of Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and keyboard, Eric Turner on guitar and vocals, Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Bobby Shea on drums, and Charlie Souza on bass guitar and vocals. They were performing around the state and the Southeastern United States by the summer of 1965, opening for popular acts such as The Who, The Young Rascals, and Herman's Hermits. The band won the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, taking first place over 441 bands, including future successful acts like Tommy James and the Shondells and Chicago. This won the group a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they recorded the single, "Take the Time," which was played on Dick Clark's <em>American Bandstand</em>, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.
Original black and white photographs, 1966: <a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/bands-artists.php" target="_blank">Profiles: Bands & Artists</a>, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
<a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society</a>
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eng
Still Image
Tampa, Florida
Planteen Recreational Center, Plant City, Florida
The Tropics, 1965
Tropics (Musical group)
Tampa (Fla.)
Music--Florida
Rock bands--Florida
Rock music--United States
Rhythm and blues music--United States
R&B (Music)
Musicians--Southern States
The Tropics, a Tampa-based band, in 1965. The Tropics, also known as "The Bitchin' Red Band" when performing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, were founded in 1964 in Tampa, Florida, consisting of Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and keyboard, Eric Turner on guitar and vocals, Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Bobby Shea on drums, and Charlie Souza on bass guitar and vocals. They were performing around the state and the Southeastern United States by the summer of 1965, opening for popular acts such as The Who, The Young Rascals, and Herman's Hermits. The band won the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, taking first place over 441 bands, including future successful acts like Tommy James and the Shondells and Chicago. This won the group a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they recorded the single, "Take the Time," which was played on Dick Clark's <em>American Bandstand</em>, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.
Original black and white photograph, 1965: <a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/bands-artists.php" target="_blank">Profiles: Bands & Artists</a>, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
<a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society</a>
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eng
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Tampa, Florida
The Tropics with James Brown
Brown, James, 1933-2006
Tropics (Musical group)
Tampa (Fla.)
Music--Florida
Rock bands--Florida
Rock music--United States
Rhythm and blues music--United States
R&B (Music)
Funk (Music)--United States
Soul music--United States
The Tropics, a Tampa-based band, with legendary soul performer, James Brown, at a private sorority party in Tampa in 1966. The Tropics, also known as "The Bitchin' Red Band" when performing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, were founded in 1964 in Tampa, Florida, consisting of Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and keyboard, Eric Turner on guitar and vocals, Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Bobby Shea on drums, and Charlie Souza on bass guitar and vocals. They were performing around the state and the Southeastern United States by the summer of 1965, opening for popular acts such as The Who, The Young Rascals, and Herman's Hermits. The band won the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, taking first place over 441 bands, including future successful acts like Tommy James and the Shondells and Chicago. This won the group a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they recorded the single, "Take the Time," which was played on Dick Clark's <em>American Bandstand</em>, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.
Original color photograph: <a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/bands-artists.php" target="_blank">Profiles: Bands & Artists</a>, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
<a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society</a>
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eng
Still Image
Tampa, Florida
The Tropics 30 Year Reunion
Tropics (Musical group)
Tampa (Fla.)
St. Petersburg (Fla.)
Music--Florida
Rock bands--Florida
Rock music--United States
Rhythm and blues music--United States
R&B (Music)
Musicians--Southern States
Concerts
The Tropics, a Tampa-based band, taken on May 7, 1999, for their 30 year reunion show at the Coliseum, located at 535 Fourth Avenue North in St. Petersburg, Florida. The show was a benefit for All Children's Hospital. <br /><br />The Tropics, also known as "The Bitchin' Red Band" when performing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, were founded in 1964 in Tampa, Florida, consisting of Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and keyboard, Eric Turner on guitar and vocals, Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Bobby Shea on drums, and Charlie Souza on bass guitar and vocals. They were performing around the state and the Southeastern United States by the summer of 1965, opening for popular acts such as The Who, The Young Rascals, and Herman's Hermits. The band won the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, taking first place over 441 bands, including future successful acts like Tommy James and the Shondells and Chicago. This won the group a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they recorded the single, "Take the Time," which was played on Dick Clark's <em>American Bandstand</em>, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.
Original black and white photograph, May 7, 1999: <a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/bands-artists.php" target="_blank">Profiles: Bands & Artists</a>, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
<a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society</a>
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eng
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Tampa, Florida
The Coliseum, St. Petersburg, Florida
World Teenage Show 1966 Top Champions
Young Rascals (Musical group)
Rascals (Musical group)
Tropics (Musical group)
Tampa (Fla.)
Music--Florida
Rock bands--Florida
Rock music--United States
Rhythm and blues music--United States
R&B (Music)
Musicians--Southern States
A newspaper photograph from <em>The Tampa Times</em> on January 4, 1968, describing a concert with the bands The Tropics and The Rascals. In this photograph, a large banner hangs from the upper level that reads, "WORLD TEENAGE SHOW 1966 TOP CHAMPIONS," and "INTERNATIONAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS WINNERS."<br /><br />The Tropics, also known as "The Bitchin' Red Band" when performing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, were founded in 1964 in Tampa, Florida, consisting of Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and keyboard, Eric Turner on guitar and vocals, Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Bobby Shea on drums, and Charlie Souza on bass guitar and vocals. They were performing around the state and the Southeastern United States by the summer of 1965, opening for popular acts such as The Who, The Young Rascals, and Herman's Hermits. The band won the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, taking first place over 441 bands, including future successful acts like Tommy James and the Shondells and Chicago. This won the group a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they recorded the single, "Take the Time," which was played on Dick Clark's <em>American Bandstand</em>, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.
Original newspaper article. "Tropics, Rascals--Fans Love 'Em." <em>The Tampa Times</em>, January 4, 1968: <a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/bands-artists.php" target="_blank">Profiles: Bands & Artists</a>, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
<a href="http://www.tampabay.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Tampa Times</em></a>
<a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society</a>
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eng
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Tampa, Florida
McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
International Battle of the Bands Official Certificate
Tropics (Musical group)
Chicago (Ill.)
Tampa (Fla.)
Music--Florida
Rock bands--Florida
Rock music--United States
Rhythm and blues music--United States
R&B (Music)
Musicians--Southern States
International Battle of the Bands Official Certificate for The Tropics, a Tampa-based band. The certificate proclaims, "Be it known that the bearer of this certificate has actively participated in the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois." McCormick Place is located at 2301 South Martin Luther King Drive.<br /><br />The Tropics, also known as "The Bitchin' Red Band" when performing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, were founded in 1964 in Tampa, Florida, consisting of Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and keyboard, Eric Turner on guitar and vocals, Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Bobby Shea on drums, and Charlie Souza on bass guitar and vocals. They were performing around the state and the Southeastern United States by the summer of 1965, opening for popular acts such as The Who, The Young Rascals, and Herman's Hermits. The band won the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, taking first place over 441 bands, including future successful acts like Tommy James and the Shondells and Chicago. This won the group a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they recorded the single, "Take the Time," which was played on Dick Clark's <em>American Bandstand</em>, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.
Original certificate, 1966: <a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/bands-artists.php" target="_blank">Profiles: Bands & Artists</a>, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
<a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society</a>
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Tampa, Florida
McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
Tropics Win International Prize
Tropics (Musical group)
Chicago (Ill.)
Tampa (Fla.)
Music--Florida
Rock bands--Florida
Rock music--United States
Rhythm and blues music--United States
R&B (Music)
Musicians--Southern States
Part of a newspaper article from the <em>The Tampa Times</em> describing the victory of The Tropics, a Tampa-based band, at the International Battle of the Bands. The headline reads, "Tropics Win International Prize," and was written by Nancy Trice and Carole Newman. According to the article, The Tropics played "I'm a Man," "Misirloo," and "Black-Jacket Woman." The band one new equipment from Ludwig Drum Company, recognition as the house band for WLS Radio for one year, and the opportunity to perform with The Mamas and The Papas in Chicago on August 20th.<br /><br />The Tropics, also known as "The Bitchin' Red Band" when performing on the Pier in Cocoa Beach, were founded in 1964 in Tampa, Florida, consisting of Buddy Pendergrass on guitar and keyboard, Eric Turner on guitar and vocals, Mel Dryer on lead vocals, Bobby Shea on drums, and Charlie Souza on bass guitar and vocals. They were performing around the state and the Southeastern United States by the summer of 1965, opening for popular acts such as The Who, The Young Rascals, and Herman's Hermits. The band won the 1966 International Battle of the Bands at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, taking first place over 441 bands, including future successful acts like Tommy James and the Shondells and Chicago. This won the group a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they recorded the single, "Take the Time," which was played on Dick Clark's <em>American Bandstand</em>, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.
Trice, Nancy
Newman, Carole
Original newspaper article: Trice, Nancy, and Carole Newman. "Tropics Win International Prize." <em>The Tampa Times</em>, August 10, 1966: <a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/bands-artists.php" target="_blank">Profiles: Bands & Artists</a>, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
<a href="http://www.tampabay.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Tampa Times</em></a>
<a href="http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society</a>
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eng
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Tampa, Florida
McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois