The Tropics in Suits

The Tropics in Suits

The Tropics

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 American Bandstand, and topped the local charts. Pendergrass and Shea would later form the glam rock band, White Witch, in 1971.

Original color photograph: Profiles: Bands & Artists, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.

ca. 1964-1970

Digital reproduction of original color photograph. http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/resources/15743_218659867836_215085887836_4195556_2936354_n.jpg.

Profiles: Bands & Artists, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.

Rock Collection, Central Florida Music History Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.

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1 color photograph

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Still Image

Tampa, Florida

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Published digitally by Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.

Copyright to this resource is held by Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.

Cravero, Geoffrey

Jones, Martin. Lovers Buggers &Thieves: Garage Rock - Monster Rock - Progressive Rock - Psychedelic Rock - Folk Rock. Vol. 1/em>. Manchester: Headpress, 2005<

"The Tropics." TampaBayMusicHistory.com. http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/the-tropics.php.

1 color photograph