The Chessmen
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Denton, Texas, United States |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Denton , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music, singles |
The Chessmen were a garage rock group originating from Denton, Texas, close to Dallas, active throughout the 1960s. They stood out as one of the area's most favored bands and released three singles under Bismarck Records, notably the track "I Need You There," which has since become a staple in garage rock circles. The band is recognized for having members who later achieved greater recognition: after the passing of founding frontman Robert Patton in 1966, Jimmie Vaughan—brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan—joined the lineup. Drummer Doyle Bramhall went on to collaborate with Stevie Ray Vaughan, while bassist Bill Etheridge later joined ZZ Top. Following The Chessmen's dissolution, several members including Jimmie Vaughan formed Texas Storm, a group that eventually featured Stevie Ray Vaughan on bass.
Formation
The Chessmen came together in early 1964 at North Texas State University (currently known as the University of North Texas) located in Denton, roughly twenty-five miles from Dallas. The initial roster consisted of Robert Patton handling rhythm guitar and vocals, Ron DiIulio on keyboards, Tommy Carrigan playing drums, and Tommy Carter on bass. Carter was unique in remaining with the band throughout its entire existence until their split in 1968. Their early performances were primarily at sporting events such as basketball games and football rallies. By early 1965, they secured management under George Rickrich, proprietor of Denton's Fine Arts Theatre. Rickrich took charge of booking them for slots between film showings, arranging photo sessions for promotion, and organizing engagements beyond their hometown.
Studio Work
Under Rickrich’s guidance, The Chessmen landed a recording contract with Bismarck Records to produce their debut single—a rendition of the Drifters’ hit "Save the Last Dance for Me" featuring backing vocals by a female chorus. The flip side presented "Dreams And Wishes," an instrumental ballad composed by guitarist Robert Patton. After keyboardist Ron DiIulio departed in May 1965, the band opted to audition guitarists instead of replacing the keyboard spot, eventually bringing Jim Herbert on board as lead guitarist. This reconfigured lineup included Herbert and Patton sharing guitar and vocal duties, Carter on bass and vocals, and Carrigan on drums.
This ensemble recorded their most renowned track, "I Need You There," penned by Norris Green and released through Bismarck's B.R.S. label. The accompanying B-side was "Sad," an acoustic ballad written by Patton and Carter. Patton provided lead vocals while Herbert delivered distinctive guitar work. The group frequently played at all-ages dance events held at Denton’s Spinning Wheels Skating Rink. In October 1965, they recorded "You’re No Good," which remained unreleased.
Toward the end of 1965, Herbert exited to join the Pitmen and subsequently Galen Jeter's Brass Blues Band; Johnny Peebles took over lead guitar duties. At the same time, drummer Tommy Carrigan left and was succeeded by Doyle Bramhall. This new lineup appeared on the television program Sump’n Else, hosted by Ron Chapman. Their subsequent single, issued in April 1966, featured "You’re Gonna Be Lonely," written and produced by Knox Henderson—known for co-writing hits for Mouse and the Traps and the Uniques—with notable use of twelve-string guitar and a strong bass presence from Carter. The B-side "No More," another composition by Norris Green, showcased harmonica elements alongside interwoven guitars and vocal harmonies.
Passing of Robert Patton and Arrival of Jimmie Vaughan
The direction of the band changed significantly following the tragic loss of their frontman Robert Patton, who drowned on April 19, 1966, after falling from a sailboat on White Rock Lake in Dallas. Patton had been sailing with fellow members of the NTSU fraternity at the time. Although there were speculations about hazing, eyewitness John Hargiss clarified that the incident was an accident caused by a sudden boat movement.
Following Patton’s untimely death, The Chessmen carried on by bringing in Jimmie Vaughan from Oak Cliff to take over lead guitar duties. Vaughan, the older brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan, had previously performed with local groups such as the Royals and the Gentlemen. At only fifteen years old, Vaughan was already regarded for his guitar prowess and soon became an essential contributor, enhancing the band’s reputation within club and college venues. Vaughan later reflected on earning $300 weekly—surpassing his father’s income—and being recognized as the youngest yet most talented member. Meanwhile, drummer Doyle Bramhall stepped up as lead vocalist.
Their last single, released in September 1966, featured "No More" as the A-side and "When You Lost Someone You Love" on the B-side—this being their sole recording with Vaughan. Early in 1967, Johnny Peebles left the group and was succeeded by Bill Etheridge, who handled rhythm guitar and keyboards. This lineup notably opened for the Jimi Hendrix Experience during a Dallas show in 1968 before disbanding later that year.
Subsequent Developments and Enduring Influence
After The Chessmen dissolved, Jimmie Vaughan teamed up with Tommy Carter and Bill Etheridge to form the blues rock ensemble Texas, which included Sammy Piazza on drums and vocalist Cecil Cotten, formerly of Texas garage band the Briks. When Cotten relocated to California, Doyle Bramhall took over lead vocals. The band relocated to Austin and added Stevie Ray Vaughan—Jimmie’s younger brother—on bass along with Bill Campbell on drums, eventually adopting the name Texas Storm. Bill Etheridge went on to perform bass with ZZ Top.
Music historian Chris Bishop highlights The Chessmen as a pivotal part of Dallas’s mid-to-late 1960s music narrative. Celebrated for their live shows, they are remembered for members who later achieved significant national and international recognition: Jimmie Vaughan (noted for his work with the Fabulous Thunderbirds alongside his brother Stevie Ray Vaughan), Doyle Bramhall (who collaborated extensively with Stevie Ray Vaughan), and Bill Etheridge (who played bass for ZZ Top). Their track "I Need You There" is ranked number 195 in Mike Markesich's Teenbeat Mayhem, placing it among the top 200 garage rock songs out of more than 16,000 entries. This song was also re-released on the Teenage Shutdown! The World Ain't Round, It's Square! compilation by Crypt Records.
1964
- Robert Patton (guitar and vocals)
- Ron DiIulio (keyboards)
- Tommy Carter (bass)
- Tommy Carrigan (drums)
1965 (transition)
- Robert Patton (guitar and vocals)
- Jimmy Kay (also known as Jimmy Kay Herbert) (guitar)
- Ricky Marshall (guitar)
- Richard Dace (guitar)
- Tommy Carter (bass and vocals)
- Tom Carrigan (drums)
1965
- Robert Patton (guitar and vocals)
- Jim Herbert (guitar and vocals)
- Tommy Carter (bass and vocals)
- Tom Carrigan (drums)
1966
- Robert Patton (guitar and vocals)
- Johnny Peebles (guitar)
- Tommy Carter (bass and vocals)
- Doyle Bramhall (drums and vocals)
1966–1967
- Jimmie Vaughan (lead guitar)
- Johnny Peebles (guitar)
- Tommy Carter (bass and vocals)
- Doyle Bramhall (drums and vocals)
1967–1968
- Jimmie Vaughan (lead guitar)
- Bill Etheridge (rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals)
- Tommy Carter (bass and vocals)
- Doyle Bramhall (drums and vocals)
Discography
- "I Need You There" backed with "Sad" (Bismark 1012, October 1965)
- "You're Gonna Be Lonely" backed with "No More" (B.R.S. 1014, April 1966)
- "No More" backed with "When You Lost Someone You Love" (Bismark 1015, September 1966)