The Breakers (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Headquarters | Memphis , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music |
The Breakers were a 1960s American garage rock ensemble originating from Memphis, Tennessee. They gained considerable regional acclaim with their popular track "Don't Bring Me No Flowers (I Ain't Dead Yet)" and ranked among the city's most favored groups. Recently, garage rock enthusiasts have shown renewed interest in the band.
History
In early 1965, The Breakers came together in Memphis under the leadership of guitarist Mike Ladd, a blues aficionado who had previously performed alongside B.B. King on Beale Street. Ladd, having crossed paths with Duane Allman at military school, joined forces with students from Whitehaven High School to establish the band. The members comprised Ladd (guitar), vocalists Gary Johns and Stew Lewis, Tom Keckler (bass), Dick Lewis (guitar), Cully Powell (keyboards), and Eddie Tatum (drums).
Their manager, Seymour Rosenberg, arranged a recording deal with Nashville’s Amy Records. The group recorded two tracks penned by local songwriter Donna Weiss—who would later co-author Kim Carnes' hit "Bette Davis Eyes"—choosing "Don't Send Me No Flowers (I Ain't Dead Yet)" as the lead single. This recording took place at Bill Justis' studio in Nashville and was released in August 1965. The single achieved significant success across the region, topping local charts and inspiring covers by bands such as the Gentrys. Mike Ladd recalled that they even displaced the Beatles from the number one position on WHBQ and WMPS radio stations.
In the autumn of 1966, The Breakers served as the opening act for the Yardbirds during their final American tour date held in Memphis. Although conflicts arose and equipment was damaged due to the Yardbirds' behavior, Ladd eventually formed a friendship with Jeff Beck. The band’s progress was halted in 1967 when several members, including Ladd, were drafted into military service.
Following the group's dissolution, Ladd established Guitar and Drum City, a music retail store, and later gained recognition for crafting custom guitars internationally. Dick Lewis briefly led another band called the Poneees before pursuing a career in education; Gary Johns joined Memphis-based group Caboose and engaged in local jazz performances; Tom Keckler ran a guitar shop located in Midtown Memphis. The Breakers’ influence persists among collectors, particularly through their track "Don't Bring Me No Flowers," which appeared on the 1996 Pebbles, Volume 10 compilation released by AIP Records.
Membership
- Mike Ladd (guitar)
- Gary Johns (vocals)
- Tom Keckler (bass)
- Stew Lewis (vocals and guitar)
- Dick Lewis (guitar)
- Cully Powell (organ)
- Eddie Tatum (drums)
Discography
- "Don't Send Me No Flowers (I Ain't Dead Yet)" b/w "Love of My Life" (Amy 938, August 1965)