The Outsiders (Tampa band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Defunct | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Tampa, Florida , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music |
The Outsiders were a garage rock group originating from Tampa, Florida, active between 1964 and 1966. They are distinct from the more widely recognized Outsiders based in Cleveland, as well as the Dutch band sharing the same name.
Established in 1964, the initial members were Hardy Dyal on lead vocals, Buddy Richardson and Ronnie Vaskovsky on guitars, Ronny Elliott handling bass duties, and Spencer Hinkle on drums. The band built a local following and released their first single, "She's Coming On Stronger" backed with "Just Let Me Be," through Knight Records in 1965.
In 1966, John Delise took over lead vocal responsibilities from Dyal. That year, the group produced a regional hit with their rendition of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues." After securing a deal with Providence Records—a subsidiary of Laurie Records—they adopted the name the Soul Trippers to differentiate themselves from other bands called The Outsiders. Under this new moniker, they issued a cover of Slim Harpo's "I'm a King Bee," which achieved sales exceeding 20,000 copies. However, the discovery that the all-white band used "soul" in their title prompted radio stations to withdraw airplay, hastening the group's dissolution by late 1966.
Following the breakup, Buddy Richardson and Ronny Elliott joined Noah's Ark and released two singles under Decca Records. John Delise became the lead vocalist for the Rovin' Flames, succeeding Hardy Dyal there as well. Later on, Richardson performed with White Witch. Ronnie Vaskovsky died in 2004.
Collectors of garage rock have since shown interest in The Outsiders' recordings. Their song "She's Coming on Stronger" was featured on Crypt Records' 1983 compilation Back from the Grave, Volume 2.
1965
- Hardy Dial (lead vocals)
- Buddy Richardson (guitar)
- Ronnie Vaslovsky (guitars)
- Ronny Elliott (bass)
- Spencer Hinkle (drums)
1966
- John Delise (lead vocals)
- Buddy Richardson (guitar)
- Ronnie Vaslovsky (guitars)
- Ronny Elliott (bass)
- Spencer Hinkle (drums)
Discography
- "She's Coming on Stronger" b/w "Just Let Me Be" (Knight 103, January 1966)
- "Summertime Blues" b/w "Set You Free This Time" (Knight 104, April 1966)
- "King Bee" b/w "Girl of Mine" (as the Soul Trippers) (Providence 415, July 1966)