The Index (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Defunct | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Grosse Pointe, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Garage rock, psychedelic rock music |
The Index was a garage and psychedelic rock ensemble originating from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, active between 1966 and 1969. They became noted for their hypnotic guitar effects showcased on two albums released in 1968. Although initially overlooked, their work attracted attention among garage rock enthusiasts starting in the 1980s.
History
Initially formed in 1966 under the name Chicken Every Sunday, the group was founded by lead guitarist John B. Ford and rhythm guitarist/bassist Gary Francis, later joined by drummer Jim Valice. Each member brought experience from previous local garage bands. Following one rehearsal session, they selected the name The Index by choosing a random term from a book. Inspired by the 1967 release of the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s album, they crafted a signature sound characterized by heavy reverb and modal melodies, generating a "surfing on the moon" atmosphere described as both "mournful" and "droning."
In early 1967, Valice enrolled at the University of Detroit while Ford began studies at Yale University; both continued their involvement with the band, returning to Detroit on weekends. The Index performed locally, including opening acts for the Rationals. When they discovered an audience member recording their live performance, they decided to transform Ford’s family basement into a recording studio to produce their first album.
Their debut album, self-titled and often referred to as the "Black Label Album," was privately pressed in 1967 through DC Records. It featured original compositions such as "Fire Eyes" alongside covers like "Eight Miles High" and "You Keep Me Hanging On." Later that year, they issued a second self-titled album known as the "Red Label Album," released in stereo and introducing Tom Ballew on bass. This follow-up emphasized more structured songwriting with reduced reverb effects and contained alternate takes of earlier songs plus covers of tracks by the Bee Gees. Most copies of both albums were distributed among friends; shortly after the second release, The Index disbanded.
Following the group’s dissolution, John B. Ford pursued an academic career as a professor at Old Dominion University while continuing musical activities focused on classical vocal performance. Jim Valice relocated to Beverly Hills and established a career in television advertising. The Index’s recordings gained renewed interest during the 1980s resurgence of garage and psychedelic rock when Voxx reissued their first album in 1984. Their complete works are available in the anthology The Index: Black Album / Red Album / Yesterday & Today released by Lion Productions. Original pressings of their two 1968 albums are prized collectibles due to their limited production runs estimated between 150 and 200 copies.
Members
- John B. Ford (lead vocals, lead guitar, bass)
- Gary Francis (bass, rhythm guitar, backing vocals)
- Jim Valice (drums)
- Tom Ballew (bass)
Discography
- The Index (commonly known as "Black Label Album," DC Records, 1968)
- The Index (commonly known as "Red Label Album," DC Records, 1968)