The Jades (American band)

The Jades

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1965 in Sparta, Michigan, United States
Headquarters	Sparta, Michigan , United States
Products	Garage rock music, singles "Please Come Back", "Confined Congregation", "Surface World", "We've Got Something Going"

The Jades were a 1960s American garage rock group originating from Sparta, Michigan, distinct from other bands sharing the same name. They ranked among the top musical acts in Sparta and the broader West Michigan area, issuing two singles through Fenton Records, a label owned and managed by Dave Kalmback. Their standout songs include "Please Come Back" and the socially conscious "Confined Congregation." Today, their recordings are highly regarded by enthusiasts of garage rock.

Origins

Established in the autumn of 1965 by students from Sparta High School, the initial roster consisted of Rich Seigel (vocals, rhythm guitar), Craig Clarke (vocals, bass), Phil Succop (lead guitar), and Roy Johnson (drums). Vocals were mainly shared between Seigel and Clarke. After half a year, Dan Preston took over drumming duties from Johnson. Floyd Johnson joined later as a keyboardist after initially contributing piano during practice sessions. Drawing inspiration from British Invasion bands such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Yardbirds, Clarke—who had classical guitar training—transitioned to bass. Succop provided transportation with his truck, while support from school personnel helped them secure performance opportunities.

Their first gig was held at a Spanish Fiesta event in the Sparta High School gymnasium. The Jades quickly built a regional following by playing at high school dances across various towns and performing throughout Michigan. For two consecutive summers, they held thrice-weekly shows at a club near Hess Lake and participated in multiple Battle of the Bands competitions, winning one at the Grand Rapids Civic Auditorium and placing second at another contest attended by over a thousand people, earning $150.

We faced off against the Mothers from Bay City (I believe) during a Battle of the Bands at the Black & Silver Room. They were among the finest groups I’ve witnessed... Locally, Me and Dem Guys were unmatched here. They later became Common People... one of their vocalists eventually sang for Toto.

Recording

By 1965, the Jades were actively touring across Michigan. Bassist Craig Clarke secured employment at Great Lakes recording studio, housed within the historic Sparta Theater—a venue serving both as a movie house and recording facility. Owned by Dave Kalmback of Fenton Records, this studio was notable for its roomy acoustics and featured an advanced eight-track tape recorder for that era. Clarke initially helped Kalmback maintain the theater’s organ but soon began assisting with recording sessions, including work on the Woolies’ national top twenty hit "Who Do You Love." Meanwhile, keyboardist Floyd Johnson sold popcorn at the theater. Clarke negotiated with Kalmback to obtain complimentary studio time for the Jades to record under Fenton Records.

In 1966, drummer Dan Preston was succeeded by Bill Alexander, who joined despite initially overstating his experience. Alexander later reflected that joining the band was "the greatest thing I ever did."

The Jades’ debut single included two compositions by guitarist Rich Siegel: "Please Come Back" and "Confined Congregation," which criticized religious hypocrisy. This release came out in February 1967 and was followed in June by their second single featuring "Surface World," another protest song co-written by Siegel and Clarke, paired with the dance-oriented "We've Got Something Going." The band recorded additional tracks that remain unreleased and are believed lost. After their second single's release, Kalmback took on management duties to help book more prominent live engagements. However, by 1968, Clarke, Siegel, and guitarist Phil Succop had begun college studies, leading to reduced band activity. Their final show took place during Christmas break 1968 at Sparta’s Civic Center—a heartfelt farewell that coincided with one member’s deployment to Vietnam.

Shortly after this performance, The Jades disbanded.

Subsequent progress, impact, and reunion

Rich Seigel pursued his studies at the University of Michigan, mastering braille despite his visual impairment. During the early 1970s, Craig Clarke and Bill Alexander were members of a local trio specializing in country rock. Clarke maintained an active presence in various rock ensembles and more recently performed with the blues group Blues Stew, featuring his son as the lead vocalist. Later in his career, Clarke transitioned to a role as a sales consultant focusing on industrial warehouse and storage solutions.

In August 2015, commemorating five decades since their formation, the Jades—comprising Craig Clarke, Rich Siegel, Floyd Johnson, Phil Succop, and Bill Alexander—came together once again for the "Celebrating Sparta Alumni Artists" event held during Sparta High School's "Town & Country Days."

The Jades have earned esteem among enthusiasts of garage rock and have been included on multiple compilation albums. Each of their four singles is featured on Scream Loud!!! The Fenton Story, while the track "Surface World" appears on Teenage Shutdown! Nobody to Love. Reflecting on his experience with the group, Clarke remarked:

I would not exchange those years for anything. Playing music nearly every day throughout my teenage years, connecting with others who shared my passion, touring statewide, and enjoying countless memorable moments—those times were priceless. Though my father is no longer with us, I remain thankful for his support in my guitar lessons. Nowadays, I perform alongside my son and younger musicians, and that joy never fades.

1964

• Rich Seigel (guitar and vocals)
• Craig Clarke (bass and vocals)
• Phil Succop (guitar)
• Floyd Johnson (keyboards)
• Roy Johnson (drums)

1965-1966

• Rich Seigel (rhythm guitar and vocals)
• Craig Clarke (bass and vocals)
• Phil Succop (lead guitar)
• Roy Johnson (drums)
• Floyd Johnson (keyboards)
• Dan Preston (drums)

1966-1969 and 2015

• Rich Seigel (lead vocals, guitar)
• Craig Clarke (bass and vocals)
• Phil Succop (guitar)
• Floyd Johnson (keyboards)
• Bill Alexander (drums)

Discography

• "Please Come Back" b/w "Confined Congregation" (Fenton 2134, February 1967)
• "Surface World" b/w "We've Got Something Going" (Fenton 2208, June 1967)