The Aardvarks (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Muskegon , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music singles and recordings |
The Aardvarks were a garage rock ensemble hailing from Muskegon, Michigan, active between 1964 and 1968. They issued three singles, two of which were released through Dave Kalmbach's Fenton Records labels based in Sparta, Michigan. Their track "I'm Higher than I'm Down" became a regional hit and is now considered a staple of garage rock. Several of their songs have since been included in various garage rock anthology collections.
Formation
The Aardvarks evolved from the Hitchhikers, a band that featured lead singer Daryl Dingler and drummer Garey Walker. This new group was formed toward the end of 1964. The original members included Dingler (vocals), Walker (drums), John Carter, and guitarist Rick Spatt. After Spatt departed to attend college, Dingler brought in Rick Kuerth on organ to add keyboard elements. Kuerth, who had classical piano training and had previously played percussion alongside Walker in high school, noted that despite their "garage band" label, rehearsals took place in a rented hall rather than an actual garage. Bassist Terry Potts joined later, rounding out the lineup and contributing to the band's developing style under Dingler’s guidance.
Local success and recording
The Aardvarks built a strong fan base throughout Muskegon. During a 1966 battle of the bands event at LC Walker Arena, Chuck St. Louis stepped in as their informal manager. He convinced the group to replace John Carter with guitarist Chris Johnson and to add Jim Britton and Don Herald to the roster. St. Louis enhanced their professionalism by implementing three-part vocal harmonies, organizing coordinated stage attire, securing representation through a professional booking agency in Grand Rapids, managing logistics such as travel and publicity, and investing in top-tier Vox amplifiers along with a PA system.
Under St. Louis’s management, the band recorded at Great Lakes Recording Studio in Sparta, Michigan—owned by Dave Kalmbach—who also produced their sessions. Their debut single "I'm Higher Than I'm Down," backed with "That's Your Way," was released in May 1966 on Vark Records, a vanity imprint affiliated with Fenton. This release achieved local top 40 status. In September 1966, they followed up with "I Don't Believe" b/w "I Don't Need You," issued on Fenton’s main label. All original compositions were written and arranged by Darryl Dingler. Additionally, they recorded unreleased material including the protest song "People of the Land" and "I Can't Explain."
In 1967, the band recorded their third single "Cherrie Can't You Tell" backed with "Let's Move Together" at Ed VerSchure's studio located in Holland, Michigan. This was released via Forte Records, another vanity label owned by Charlie Bowbeer, an associate of St. Louis. The Aardvarks shared a bill with the Grateful Dead on the regionally broadcast Swingin' Time television program. Kuerth recalls that they shared a dressing room with the Dead and outperformed their lip-synced set by performing live tracks from their Forte release. One memorable incident involved the show’s host requiring them to dance live on air before an audience estimated at two million viewers despite none of the members knowing how to dance.
Demise
Manager Chuck St. Louis introduced the band to Harper and Rowe, a Canadian vocal duo looking for backing musicians; however, the Aardvarks declined this opportunity. Drummer Garey Walker entered military service and left the group thereafter. Attempts to continue with a substitute drummer from the Shackelfosts lasted only one performance before it became clear that the chemistry had changed drastically. Kuerth described this period as feeling like “someone ripped our heart out,” emphasizing that things were no longer the same. Following this, Terry Potts and Rick Kuerth departed while Spatt returned to college. Although Dingler endeavored to keep the band going with new personnel, these efforts did not succeed. The Aardvarks ultimately disbanded in 1968.
After the Breakup
Following the band's dissolution, Kuerth enlisted in the military and subsequently performed with a regional ensemble during the early 1970s. Both Terry Potts and Don Harold have since passed away. Guitarist Jimmy Britton continues to be involved in Muskegon’s country music community and operates his own recording facility. Garey Walker remained in military service, achieving the rank of warrant officer; he currently resides in Maryland and plays drums at his local church. John Carter is now retired and lives in Holland, Michigan. Daryl Dingler oversees a golf course in Grand Haven, owns a recording studio, and is an avid collector of Fender amplifiers. Although retired, Kuerth still actively plays keyboards, guitar, and banjo.
Compilation Releases
The recordings of The Aardvarks have attracted interest among garage rock enthusiasts. Their four singles released on Fenton/Vark labels are included on Way Back Records' 2006 anthology, Scream Loud!!! The Fenton Story. The track "I'm Higher than I'm Down" is hailed as a garage rock staple, positioned at number 207 on Mike Markesich's list of the top 1000 garage songs, and it also features on the compilation Gravel, Volume 2.
Band Members
- Daryl Dingler (lead vocals)
- Rick Kuerth (keyboards)
- Garey Walker (drums)
- Terry Potts (bass)
- Don Harold (guitar)
- Jimmy Britton (lead guitar)
- John Carter (guitar)
- Tim Smiley (guitar)
- Neal Stone (drums)
Recordings
- "I'm Higher Than I'm Down" b/w "That's Your Way" (Vark 2058, May 1966)
- "I Don't Believe" b/w "I Don't Need You" (Fenton 2090, September 1966)
- "Cherrie Can't You Tell" b/w "Let's Move Together" (Forte 2021, August 1967; Talpa 68101, January 1968)