The Jets (Illinois band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Defunct | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Pekin, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, singles ("Be For Me", "Lover Boy") |
The Jets originated from Pekin, Illinois and consisted of members Mike Isenberg, Graham Walker, Greg Clemons, Greg Wilson, and Randy Kohtz. Their active years spanned from 1972 until 1980, with some of their tracks still accessible through Twin/Tone Records. Shortly after formation, Clemons and Kohtz departed, leading to the addition of bassist Thomas Walker, who remained until early 1974 when Clemons rejoined. Within this timeframe, they released the single "Be For Me" paired with "I Play For You"; the song "Be For Me" climbed to No. 13 on the charts before the group disbanded soon after. This particular track is included in the compilation box set BUTTONS: From Champaign To Chicago (Numero label).
In 1976, The Jets reunited in Madison, Wisconsin, featuring Mike Isenberg, Graham Walker, Thomas Walker, and Greg Wilson. This incarnation recorded under Twin/Tone Records and issued the single "Lover Boy" with "Paper Girl" as its B-side. Notably, both Prince and Morris Day were present at the record release event held at Jay's Longhorn in Minneapolis. These songs were also part of the Twin/Tone compilation Big Hits of the Midwest Volume III, which is exhibited in the Minneapolis section of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside memorabilia related to Prince. The band ultimately dissolved in early 1980.
Following The Jets, Graham Walker engaged in various rock ventures and recording deals, earning acclaim during the 1980s power pop era as a member of the Elvis Brothers alongside Brad Steakley (known professionally as Brad Elvis). He remains active as a performer under the name Graham Elvis.
Mike Isenberg moved to Hollywood during the mid-1990s to star in Brother Sam, a film inspired by Bill Kinison’s biography of Sam Kinison. He has since released two albums: Tarzan's Woods (2010) and In Rena's Room (2012). Presently, Isenberg hosts The DIFFERENCE, an international radio program based in Los Angeles that highlights independent musicians from around the globe.
External links
- Michael Isenberg and the Pekin, Illinois Scene – details about The Jets
- Mike Isenberg – website featuring memories from Mike Isenberg about the band