The Dagenites
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Oxon Hill, Maryland, United States |
| Headquarters | Oxon Hill , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music |
The Dagenites were a 1960s American garage rock group originating from Oxon Hill, Maryland. They frequently shared management and stage time with guitarist Link Wray. Over time, their music has earned acclaim within garage rock circles and has been featured on multiple compilation albums. The band is particularly remembered for their proto-punk tracks "I Don't Want to Try it Again" and "I'm Gone Slide," which have become staples of the garage rock genre.
History
Established in 1964 in the vicinity of Washington, DC, the founding members were John Bardi (lead guitar), Bruce Kennett (rhythm guitar), Geoff Robinson (bass), and Roger Fallin (drums). The name "Dagenites" was inspired by Dagenham, a London suburb connected to Bardi’s family heritage, reflecting the influence of the British Invasion. Managed alongside Link Wray, they frequently played at the 1023 Club, gaining a reputation for their loud and energetic live performances.
Thanks to Bruce Kennett’s father, the band secured a connection with Pixie Records based in Dayton, Ohio, where they cut their debut single in early 1965: "I Don’t Want to Try It Again," penned by bassist Robinson, paired with Kennett's ballad "Now That Summer's Gone." Early promo pressings mistakenly credited them as "the Joy Boys," but this error was corrected prior to the official release.
Following the 1965 graduation of Robinson and Kennett, new members Julian Bardi (bass), Jon Rowzie (rhythm guitar), and Jimmy Musgrove (lead vocals) joined the lineup. That summer, after a successful audition, they signed with Heigh Ho Records. Label owner Ron Barnett initially suggested renaming them the Howling Wolves and incorporating a wolf-themed act, but this concept was ultimately dropped.
The group recorded "I'm Gone Slide" in New York City, which Heigh Ho released in September 1965. Barnett authored the lyrics while John Bardi handled the musical arrangement. An organist who had played on Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally" contributed to the track. The flip side featured a re-recorded version of "Now That Summer’s Gone." Further sessions produced an updated take on "I Don’t Want to Try It Again," as well as the single "The Fugitive" backed by Leiber and Stoller's "Poison Ivy," released in February 1966. Although "The Fugitive" was intended as a television show theme, its momentum faded following the show's cancellation. The band dissolved by June 1966.
Afterward, John Bardi pursued further musical endeavors. The Dagenites briefly reunited in 2008. Their work has been reissued by Crypt Records and included on compilations such as Back from the Grave, Volume 8, Last of the Garage Punk Unknowns, and Psychedelic States: Maryland in the 60s. Garage rock authorities like Chris Bishop and Tim Warren have acknowledged their influence. Since that reunion, lead singer Jimmy Musgrove and bassist Julian Bardi have passed away.
1964 through mid-1965
- John Bardi (lead guitar)
- Bruce Kennett (rhythm guitar)
- Geoff Robinson (bass and vocals)
- Roger Fallin (drums)
Late 1965 through 1966
- Jimmy Musgrove (lead vocals)
- John Bardi (lead guitar)
- Jon Rowzie (rhythm guitar)
- Julian Bardi (bass)
- Roger Fallin (drums)
Discography
- "I Don’t Want to Try It Again" backed with "Now that Summer's Gone" (Pixie 204, March 1965)
- "I'm Gone Slide" accompanied by "Now that Summer's Gone" (Heigh Ho 619, September 1965)
- "The Fugitive" paired with "Poison Ivy" (Heigh Ho 625, February 1966)
- A subsequent version of "I Don’t Want to Try It Again" coupled with "I Keep Running" (Heigh Ho 636, 1966)