The JuJus
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Defunct | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Grand Rapids, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music |
The JuJus were a garage rock group hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, active between 1964 and 1967. Although they never produced a complete album, they are regarded as one of the more refined outfits within the Michigan rock music landscape. Experiencing multiple lineup adjustments, The JuJus fused elements of folk rock and the British Invasion into their gritty sound before venturing into psychedelic rock. Their regional hit "You Treat Me Bad" has since become a staple in garage rock history.
History
The band’s roots trace back to Godwin Heights High School, where its members participated in the school's jazz ensemble. Originally assembled to spoof The Beatles during a school event, the founding lineup featured saxophonist Max Colley Jr., drummer Bill Gorski (who had previously played tuba), and lead guitarist Rod Shepard. Colley and Larry Jansen co-wrote the instrumental track "Flake Out," drawing inspiration from The Surfaris' "Wipe Out." The enthusiastic audience response encouraged further performances, prompting the group to adopt the name The JuJus, taking cues stylistically from the Dave Clark Five.
As saxophone-driven music waned in popularity, The JuJus incorporated guitarist and vocalist Ray Hummel III, formerly a folk artist. Shepard shifted to bass duties, and under the guidance of manager Jim Geeting—who insisted on coordinated attire inspired by The Beatles—the band secured bookings throughout Michigan venues such as "The Ponytail," "The Place," and "The Elbow Room" in Grand Rapids. They regularly competed in "Battle of the Bands" events against competitors like the Soulbenders. Their repertoire combined original songs penned by Hummel III with covers including "Bits and Pieces," "Hang On Sloopy," and "Get Off of My Cloud."
In the summer of 1965, The JuJus entered Great Lakes Recording Studio in Sparta, Michigan, to record their first single. Produced by Dave Kalmbach with an emphasis on robust drum tones, the release featured two Hummel III compositions: "You Treat Me Bad" and "Hey Little Girl," issued through Fenton Records. Local radio personality Larry Adderly championed the single on WLAV Radio, where it climbed to number two on the station's Favorite 40 chart.
Following this success, influenced by groups such as Gerry and the Pacemakers, The JuJus recorded two cover tracks that remained unreleased until 2009. Later in 1965, guitarist Rick Stevens joined after the band received an award from Adderly recognizing "You Treat Me Bad." Drummond Records extended a national distribution offer contingent upon touring commitments; however, Hummel III declined due to his upcoming marriage and exited alongside Colley. The band then brought in vocalist Brett Wells and rhythm guitarist Bruce Essex. They released a follow-up single titled "I'm Really Sorry" on United Records but were unable to match their previous success amid lineup instability and limited promotion.
By mid-1966, Hummel III briefly became part of Traffic Jam along with some former JuJus members. Meanwhile, The JuJus experienced further personnel changes: Gorski left and was replaced by Ron Homrich; Wells and Essex departed; vocalist Ronn Burke joined. Shifting toward a psychedelic rock sound by early 1967, Geeting financed "The Island," a club located in Ludington, Michigan, which The JuJus operated as their primary performance venue hosting acts like The Electric Prunes and The Kingsmen. Despite regional acclaim, Shepard’s draft into military service in mid-1967 led to the band's breakup.
"You Treat Me Bad" earned enduring acclaim through its inclusion on compilation albums such as Pebbles, Volume 1 (1978) and Teenage Shutdown! You Treated Me Bad!. In 2009, an album entitled You Treat Me Bad 1965-1967 was released featuring previously unreleased songs and alternate versions. That year also saw The JuJus inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.