The Tropics in Ascots
Dublin Core
Title
The Tropics in Ascots
Alternative Title
The Tropics
Subject
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
Description
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.
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.
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.
Source
Original color photograph: Profiles: Bands & Artists, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
Publisher
Date Created
ca. 1964-1970
Is Format Of
Digital reproduction of original color photograph. http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/resources/15743_215746717836_215085887836_4175124_7881811_n.jpg.
Is Part Of
Profiles: Bands & Artists, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
Rock Collection, Central Florida Music History Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.
Format
image/jpg
Extent
199 KB
Medium
1 color photograph
Language
eng
Type
Still Image
Coverage
Tampa, Florida
Accrual Method
Donation
Mediator
History Teacher
Humanities Teacher
Music Teacher
Provenance
Published digitally by Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
Rights Holder
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.
Curator
Cravero, Geoffrey
Source Repository
External Reference
Jones, Martin. Lovers Buggers & Thieves: Garage Rock - Monster Rock - Progressive Rock - Psychedelic Rock - Folk Rock. Vol. 1. Manchester: Headpress, 2005.
"The Tropics." TampaBayMusicHistory.com. http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/the-tropics.php.
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
1 color photograph
Collection
Citation
“The Tropics in Ascots,” RICHES, accessed April 23, 2024, https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/5451.