The Novas
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Headquarters | Dallas/Fort Worth , United States |
Area served | Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas |
| Products | Garage rock music |
Novas were an American garage rock group originating from the Dallas/Fort Worth area in Texas during the 1960s. Recognized for their intricate harmonies, they emerged as a prominent regional ensemble, performing throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Their 1966 single "William Junior" contributed to their enduring appeal among garage rock enthusiasts, with their tracks later included on two compilation albums.
History
The band was established in 1963 by guitarists John Salih and David Browne, who soon added Mike Mullen on bass and Gary Madrigal on drums. Their name was derived from the well-known compact automobile, the Chevrolet Nova. Initially, their repertoire centered on surf rock instrumentals influenced by groups like the Ventures and the Surfaris, complemented by vocal numbers such as Chuck Berry’s hits and "Louie Louie" originally by the Kingsmen. Their popularity surged following a junior high talent show victory, eventually positioning them as the leading band in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. They gained acclaim for having some of the finest vocal harmonies among North Texas rock outfits. The band traveled and transported gear using a black 1950s Cadillac hearse emblazoned with their emblem. Key performance venues included local teen clubs like Panther Hall, Teen a Go Go, Action a Go Go, as well as the adult-oriented Cellar club, which uniquely allowed teenage bands to play.
In 1965, Mike Mullen departed due to family concerns and was succeeded by David Dennard from the surf group the Esquires. The Novas’ musical influences expanded to encompass artists such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Kinks, Yardbirds, Who, along with contemporary soul music. Their adoption of longer Beatle-inspired hairstyles sparked controversy within conservative Texan society.
By 1966, the group began crafting original songs and issued a single on Dallas’ S.T.A.R. label featuring "William Junior," a track with social commentary, paired with "And It's Time." Operating on a modest budget, they toured extensively across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. On March 25, 1966, they made a lip-synced appearance on the local television program Sump'n Else, sharing the stage with the 13th Floor Elevators, and performed live at Market Hall that evening. Throughout their career, they opened for notable acts including the Byrds, Hollies, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Mitch Ryder, Spencer Davis Group, Sonny & Cher, and Blues Magoos. Despite recording several additional tracks intended for a 1968 release on the G.P.C. label, this single never came to fruition. After completing high school in 1968, members disbanded to pursue higher education.
The Novas’ recordings have been preserved in compilations such as The Sump'n Else Tapes (1996) and William Junior (Distortions label), gaining attention from garage rock collectors. Former members also appear in Melissa Kirkendall’s documentary Teen a Go Go.
Membership
- John Salih (guitar and vocals)
- David Browne (guitar and vocals)
- Mike Mullen (bass and vocals)
- Gary Madrigal (drums and vocals)
- David Dennard (bass and vocals)
45 rpm
- "And It's Time" b/w "William Junior" (S.T.A.R. 001, 1966)
Compilation
- Sump'n' Else Tapes (Collectables, 1996)