The Lemon Drops
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Psychedelic pop music |
The Lemon Drops were a psychedelic pop ensemble originating from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1966 by a group of high school students. They released a single that achieved notable regional popularity and created additional unreleased tracks, which later generated renewed attention during the 1980s. The band played an influential part in shaping the psychedelic pop genre within Illinois.
History
In 1966, a collective of students from McHenry High School—Danny Smola (lead vocals), Eddy Weiss (rhythm guitar), Gary Weiss (drums), Jeff Brand (bass guitar), George Sorrenson, Rick Ericksen (lead guitar), and Bobby Lunak (acoustic guitar)—came together to form The Lemon Drops amidst the dynamic Chicago music landscape. Their distinctive sound helped them cultivate a local fanbase. By the end of that year, Reggie Weiss, sibling to Eddy and Gary Weiss, established Rembrandt Records and secured the band a recording session at RCA Studios located in Southern Illinois.
The band’s first single, produced and penned by Reggie Weiss, featured "I Live in the Springtime" on the A-side with "Listen Girl" as its B-side. Shortly before recording, Sorrenson departed; Rick Ericksen contributed guitar work during the May 11, 1967 session and authored "Sometime Ago," initially named "Alone." The initial batch of 500 copies was recalled due to absent drum tracks, although some drumless versions circulated and were later included in the 1998 Nuggets reissue. A subsequent pressing of 1,000 copies containing drum tracks sold rapidly. Despite receiving local radio play, financial limitations hindered additional pressings and national chart breakthroughs. The Lemon Drops earned recognition and performed extensively throughout Illinois.
Prior to releasing their next single, the group adopted a stronger psychedelic style and recruited Dick Sidman as their lead vocalist. From October to December 1967, they produced demos that attracted interest from RCA Records; however, RCA prioritized recouping unpaid session fees that the band was unable to settle.
In 1968, two live albums were recorded at the Weiss family residence in an effort to secure label interest. Uni Records showed preliminary enthusiasm but presented unfavorable contract terms; Buena Vista also expressed interest but ceased operations following the proprietor's death. A final potential contract fell through after an incident at an acid party occurred before signing. The Lemon Drops ultimately disbanded in the summer of 1969.
Reggie Weiss went on to manage other groups that performed Lemon Drops material, achieving considerable airplay within Illinois. During the psychedelic revival of the 1980s, interest in the band resurged, resulting in official releases: Crystal Pure (1985) and Second Album! (1986), which compiled nearly all home recordings alongside RCA demos.