The Gentlemen (Dallas band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Dallas, Texas, United States |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Dallas , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music |
The Gentlemen were a garage rock ensemble originating from Dallas, Texas, active between 1964 and 1968. Their most notable track, the 1966 release "It's a Cry'n Shame", has since been hailed as a quintessential garage rock anthem. The band's musical direction was predominantly influenced by guitarist and songwriter Seab Meador. Jimmie Vaughan, who later gained fame with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and is the sibling of Stevie Ray Vaughan, briefly played with The Gentlemen in late 1965 and early 1966; however, he did not participate in any recordings with them before moving on to join another Dallas-based garage band, the Chessmen.
Formation
Established in 1964 within the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Texas, The Gentlemen experienced multiple changes in their lineup but consistently followed the musical vision of Seab Meador, noted for his guitar prowess. Meador drew inspiration from bands such as the Rolling Stones, the Animals, the Kinks, and the Yardbirds, which contributed to the group’s blues-infused sound that set them apart from peers like the Beatles. Original bassist Jimmy Randall departed to join the Los Angeles group Jo Jo Gunne; he was succeeded by Lonnie Taylor, with a brief interval where two bassists were part of the band.
In 1965, the band produced an unreleased acetate featuring "Beg, Borrow or Steal" and "Here I Cannot Stay" at Sumet Recording Studio, with mastering completed at Boyd Recording Services. Drummer Tim Justice recalled that these initial recording sessions cost $150, which was divided among four members. Additionally, The Gentlemen recorded a demo acetate of "It's a Cry'n Shame," which was subsequently re-recorded for its official 1966 release. That year also saw them perform on Channel 11 (KTVT) at the Panther Club in Fort Worth, maintaining an active gig schedule throughout 1965.
Towards the close of 1965, Jimmie Vaughan joined the band for several months, establishing a lasting rapport with Meador before his transition to the Chessmen.
Height of Success
By early 1966, The Gentlemen had solidified their lineup: Seab Meador (lead guitar/vocals), Mike Kelley (guitar/vocals), Tim Justice (drums), Bruce Bland (bass), and Tommy Turner (keyboards). This configuration became a prominent live act in venues such as Louann's Club and The Studio Club in Dallas, as well as Panther A'Go-Go and The Box in Fort Worth. Later that year, they had the opportunity to open for James Brown at the Dallas Convention Center, earning $500 for their brief performance. Tim Justice recounted performing before a segregated audience predominantly composed of African Americans who were eventually won over by their spirited rock delivery.
The Gentlemen also supported acts like Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels and The Beau Brummels at Louann's in 1966, even learning The Beatles’ "Paperback Writer" specifically for one show. They shared stages with Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison at Panther A'Go-Go. Tom Brown, president of Vandan Records, discovered them during a performance at LouAnn's Club and began collaborating with the band on songwriting alongside arranger Gene Garretson. This partnership yielded two tracks: the ballad "You Can't Be True" and the fuzz-heavy "It's a Cry'n Shame." Despite the band's preference for "Cry'n Shame," the record label favored promoting "You Can't Be True," dedicating considerable resources to its production while "Cry'n Shame" was recorded more rapidly with Mike Kelley handling vocals.
Brown pressed an initial run of 2,000 copies and distributed them to radio DJs in cities including Detroit, Philadelphia, and Boston. In January 1967, Record World Magazine featured "It's a Cry'n Shame" alongside Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love" within its Four-Star Rating column. The song received airplay on Dallas stations KLIF and KNOK, elevating the band's regional recognition. At a large-scale "go-go" event in south Dallas, fan enthusiasm required police presence due to autograph seekers. Justice described this moment as their closest experience to "That 60's British Rock Star Magic," signifying a high point for this young Dallas-based group.
Disbandment and Subsequent Events
Financial difficulties arose for Vandan Records proprietor Tom Brown due to expenses associated with pressing vinyl and producing the planned A-side. Justice remembered that Brown soon disappeared to evade his creditors, eventually moving to Los Angeles, where he passed away shortly thereafter. In 1967, Seab Meador departed from The Gentlemen and went on to join other Dallas-based groups such as the Bridge. Danny Sanchez took over Meador’s role as lead guitarist; however, the band’s drive diminished, leading to their breakup in early 1968.
Following this, Seab Meador teamed up with original bassist Jimmie Randal to establish bands including the Houston-centered Hurricanes and later the Werewolves during the late 1970s. The Werewolves were under the management and production of former Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham and released two albums through RCA Records. On January 24, 1980, Seab Meador succumbed to a brain tumor. Randal reflected on Meador as both a cherished friend and mentor whose influence endured.
Enduring Influence
The Gentlemen are primarily remembered for their track "It's a Cry'n Shame," which is frequently cited as one of the finest garage rock compositions. G45 Legends included it among the top ten essential songs for introducing the 1960s garage rock genre, while Mike Markesich’s Teenbeat Mayhem positioned it at number two within the top 1000 garage rock recordings, surpassed only by the 13th Floor Elevators' "You're Gonna Miss Me." This song has been featured on various compilations such as Pebbles, Volume 5, Essential Pebbles, Volume 1, and Fort Worth Teen Scene Volume 3. Its demo acetate version appeared on Back from the Grave, Volume 9. Additionally, it has been broadcast on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, Sirius Satellite Radio, and Bill Kelly’s show Black Hole of Rock and Roll on WFMU.
Lineup (circa 1966–1967)
- Seab Meador (guitar, vocals)
- Mike Kelley (guitar, vocals)
- Bruce Bland (bass)
- Tommy Turner (keyboards)
- Tim Justice (drums)
Releases
- "Beg, Borrow, or Steal" b/w "Here I Cannot Say" (Sumet Recording Studio acetate, 1965)
- "You Can't Be True" b/w "It's a Cry'n Shame" (Vandan 8304/3, 1966)