The Grifs
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Charlotte , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music, singles ("Catch a Ride", "Keep Dreaming") |
The Grifs were a garage rock ensemble from Charlotte, North Carolina, active during the 1960s in the United States. Their track "Catch a Ride" achieved top chart positions in Charlotte and Birmingham, Alabama, and received radio play in northern regions such as Lansing, Michigan, where it secured the number one spot. The group performed as an opening act for the Amboy Dukes in Detroit and produced their second single, "Keep Dreaming," in that city. The departure of drummer Roy Skinner to resume pharmacy studies and guitarist Mike Wingate’s conscription to Vietnam resulted in the band's dissolution by early 1968. Their recordings continue to hold significance among garage rock enthusiasts and have been featured on multiple compilation albums.
History
Originating in Charlotte in 1965, The Grifs comprised Mike Wingate (vocals, guitar), Barry Stacks (guitar), Bob Crawford (bass), and Roy Skinner (drums). Drawing inspiration from the British Invasion and the blues-infused style of the Rolling Stones, they laid down their initial single "Catch a Ride" backed with "In My Life" at Arthur Smith's recording studio. Barry Stacks employed a fuzz guitar tone on "Catch a Ride," influenced by the Rolling Stones’ "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
"Catch a Ride" emerged as a regional success, securing number one rankings in Charlotte and Birmingham and reaching the top five charts in Hickory and Myrtle Beach. The band capitalized on connections with local disc jockeys to obtain radio airtime and live broadcast sessions. MGM Records facilitated wider distribution of the single, including markets in Canada. Relationships with Detroit-area DJs contributed to the track attaining number one status in Lansing, which led to opportunities opening for groups such as the Amboy Dukes.
Touring extensively throughout the Carolinas and Alabama, The Grifs supported prominent British Invasion bands including the Rolling Stones, Dave Clark Five, the Hollies, Herman's Hermits, and the Kinks.
In 1967, they recorded their second single "Keep Dreaming" paired with "Northbound" in Detroit under Palmer Records. While the A-side preserved their hard rock approach, the B-side incorporated horn arrangements targeting soul music listeners. Plans for a full-length album were abandoned following Skinner’s exit to pursue pharmacy school and Wingate’s military draft. Without securing a replacement drummer and facing fewer performance engagements, the band disbanded by early 1968.
Afterward, most members returned to Charlotte; Barry Stacks moved to California to continue his musical career. The Grifs’ tracks have been reissued on compilations such as Michigan Mayhem Volumes 1 and 2 and Psychedelic Unknowns. Their song "Keep Dreaming" was included on Back from the Grave, Volume 7, released by Crypt Records in 1988.
Membership
- Mike Wingate (vocals and guitar)
- Barry Stacks (guitar)
- Bob Crawford (bass)
- Roy Skinner (drums)
Discography
- "Catch a Ride" b/w "In My Life" (5-D #007, Nov 1966 / AMG 1002, Feb 1967)
- "Keep Dreaming" b/w "Northbound" (Palmer 5025, Aug 1967)
Bibliography
- There Was a Time: Rock & Roll in the 1960s in Charlotte and North Carolina, Jacob Berger & Daniel Coston, 2014, Fort Canoga Press
- Teenbeat Mayhem, Mike Markesich, 2012, Priceless Info Press