Lawson and Four More
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | Bobby Lawson |
| Headquarters | Memphis, Tennessee , United States |
| Products | Garage rock, psychedelic rock music |
Lawson and Four More (occasionally referred to as Lawson & Four More) were an American band from Memphis, Tennessee, active during the 1960s and known for their blend of garage rock and psychedelic rock. Fronted by Bobby Lawson, their music initially featured a robust blues foundation that gradually incorporated psychedelic influences. The group frequently worked alongside musician and producer Jim Dickinson and holds the distinction of releasing the inaugural rock single on Memphis's Ardent Records. In 1966, they briefly adopted the name The Avengers for a Batman-inspired side project.
History
Established in 1965 by Bobby Lawson in Memphis, the ensemble originally performed as Bobby and the Originals, comprising Lawson (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Joe Lee (lead guitar), Joe Gaston (bass), Bernie Hill (keyboards), and Bill Donati (drums). Bernie Hill was subsequently replaced by Terry Manning, who brought experience from his tenure with Bobby Fuller in El Paso. The band maintained a steady presence at local spots such as Skateland Frayser and made appearances on the television program Talent Party.
A connection from high school facilitated demo recordings at John Fry’s home studio. Fry introduced the group to Jim Dickinson, who composed two tracks for them: "If You Want Me, You Can Find Me" and "Back for More." Dickinson also produced these sessions, contributing keyboard parts on the A-side and enlisting additional musicians for lead guitar and percussion. The B-side was performed solely by the band. Released in 1966 under Ardent Records, this single marked the label’s first venture into rock music. Around this period, the band adopted the name Lawson & More, which appeared on both the record label and its sleeve featuring their photograph.
Subsequently, Lawson and Four More partnered with Dickinson on a novelty Batman-themed endeavor under the name The Avengers. They issued a single featuring the instrumental "Batarang," highlighted by Terry Manning’s organ work and Lee Baker’s lead guitar. The flip side included vocals by the Robins backed by The Avengers, with Dickinson playing 12-string guitar. This project was produced by Uncle John’s Gang, John Fry’s production team. The Avengers performed several live shows utilizing a customized Buick styled as a "Batmobile."
The band followed up with a second single on Ardent titled "Halfway Down the Stairs" b/w "Relax Your Mind," which reflected their increasing psychedelic direction. The release gained regional radio play, and they toured alongside notable groups such as the Yardbirds. However, as their music shifted away from dance-friendly rhythms and their performances grew more unpredictable—often featuring equipment destruction—they began to lose appeal among some local audiences.
In 1967, Bobby Lawson departed to form Lawson's Blues Bag, while the remaining members briefly continued under the name Goat Dancers. Lawson and Four More’s blues-rooted rock style foreshadowed later Memphis acts like Moloch and Snake. Keyboardist Terry Manning went on to establish Rock City with Chris Bell prior to Bell co-founding Big Star. Manning also achieved success as a solo artist, producer, and engineer from the 1970s forward. Bassist Joe Gaston maintained a respected career as a blues musician within Memphis.
The influence of Lawson and Four More persists among collectors of garage and psychedelic rock. In 2013, Ace (Big Beat Records) reissued "If You Want Me You Can Find Me" alongside previously unreleased tracks. Additionally, the Goat Dancers are featured on the cover of FEELING HIGH: THE PSYCHEDELIC SOUND OF MEMPHIS (Ace/Big Bear, 2013).
Membership
- Bobby Lawson – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Joe Lee – lead guitar
- Joe Gaston – bass guitar
- Bernie Hill – keyboards
- Terry Manning – keyboards
- Bill Donati – drums
Lawson and Four More
- "If You Want Me You Can Find Me" with "Back For More" as the B-side (Ardent 105, 1966)
- "Relax Your Mind" backed with "Halfway Down the Stairs" (Ardent 107, August 1966)
The Avengers/the Robins
- "Batarang" performed by the Avengers, paired with "Batman" by the Robins as the B-side (Ardent 106, 1966)