Tropics Win International Prize
Dublin Core
Title
Tropics Win International Prize
Alternative Title
Tropics Win International Prize
Subject
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
Description
Part of a newspaper article from the The Tampa Times 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.
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.
Creator
Trice, Nancy
Newman, Carole
Source
Original newspaper article: Trice, Nancy, and Carole Newman. "Tropics Win International Prize." The Tampa Times, August 10, 1966: Profiles: Bands & Artists, Tampa Bay Music Scene Historical Society.
Date Created
ca. 1966-08-10
Date Copyrighted
1966-08-10
Is Format Of
Digital reproduction of original newspaper article: Trice, Nancy, and Carole Newman. "Tropics Win International Prize." The Tampa Times, August 10, 1966. http://www.tampabaymusichistory.com/resources/15743_215142242836_215085887836_4171128_3418623_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
278 KB
Medium
1 newspaper article
Language
eng
Type
Text
Coverage
Tampa, Florida
McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
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.
Document Item Type Metadata
Text
1 newspaper article
Collection
Citation
Trice, Nancy and Newman, Carole, “Tropics Win International Prize,” RICHES, accessed April 26, 2024, https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/5458.