The Jesters (R&B band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Headquarters | Athens, Georgia , United States |
| Products | Soul and R&B music |
The Jesters were a predominantly white soul and R&B ensemble originating from Athens, Georgia, established in 1964 and maintaining activity for half a century. Throughout their career, they performed alongside or opened for renowned artists such as Jerry Butler, Marvin Gaye, Patti LaBelle, The Marvellettes, The Platters, and Jackie Wilson.
1964 - 1970
Within the Athens pop music landscape, The Jesters stood out alongside contemporaries like the Zodiacs and the Blue Blenders. Their blend of Motown and Beach music enabled them to support touring legends including Marvin Gaye, The Drifters, and The Platters. Early gigs took place at fraternity houses on campus, rented ballrooms, lounges, as well as venues such as the Georgian Hotel and Pinecrest Lodge. In 1966, David Prince departed to join the psychedelic band October People. By 1968, they were performing at locations like the Shelby Teen Club and produced an album featuring current rhythm and blues tracks. The band ultimately dissolved in 1970.
1982 - 2014
After a twelve-year break, The Jesters regrouped in 1982. Their final performance occurred in 2014 with a farewell show at the Georgia Theater, organized to aid founding member Harold Williams following severe injuries sustained from a fall.
Harold Williams, one of the original members, died on May 17, 2015.
Members
- Davis Causey – guitar (1964)
- Artie Christopher – vocals (1965–1968)
- Steve Hartley – lead vocals (1967–1969, 1981–2000s)
- Mike Haynes – keyboards (1994)
- Cleon Little – bass (1968–2004)
- Bill McDonald – saxophone (1964)
- Scotty Piotrowski – trumpet (1964)
- Tom Ryan – bass (2004–2000s)
- Freddy Seagraves – drums (1964)
- Donny Whitehead – saxophone (1966)
- Harold Williams – saxophone (1964)
- Billy Young – trumpet (1964)
- Clarence Young – organ (1982–1995)
List of past members
- David Aaron – guitar (1968–1969)
- Don Allgood – organ (1965–1966)
- Monty Black – bass (1968)
- Freddie Brown – keyboards (1965)
- Davis Causey – guitar (1964–1968; 1981–2000s)
- Artie Christopher – vocals (1965–1968)
- Larry Coffeen – saxophone (1964–1965)
- Mike Haynes – keyboards (1991–2000s)
- Steve Hartley – vocals (1967–1969; 1981–2000s)
- Lawrence Hill – trumpet/vocals (1968–1969)
- Bill MacDonald – saxophone (1964–1969; 1981–2000s)
- Cleon Nally – bass (1965–1979; 1981–2000s)
- Joel Osner – guitar/vocals (1964–1968)
- Scott Piotrowski – trumpet (1965–1968; 1981–2000s)
- Bobby Prince (video game composer) – guitar/vocals (1964–1966)
- David Prince – guitar/vocals (1964–1966)
- Tom Ryan – bass (2004–2000s)
- Ed Saye – vocals (1964–1966)
- Freddy Seagraves – drums (1964–1969; 1981–2000s)
- Donny Whitehead – saxophone (1964–1969; 1981–2000s)
- Harold Williams – saxophone/vocals/leader; various periods from 1964 to 2000s
- Billy Young – trumpet/vocals; multiple intervals from mid-60s through 2000s
- Clarence Young – keyboards/organ; early 1980s to mid-1990s
- Diana Young – vocals; brief tenure in 1965
Discography
- Sure Thing - SKU: 1933 - (2010)