The Penthouse 5
| Company type | Garage rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas, United States |
| Defunct | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Oak Cliff, Dallas , United States |
Area served | Texas, Louisiana |
Key people | Bill Looney (bassist, manager's son), Steve Wood, Walter Buchanan, Justin Brown, Mark Porter, Rob Graham, Jon Williams, Richard "Lurch" Keathley, Mike Echart |
| Products | Music recordings (singles and compilations) |
The Penthouse 5 were a garage rock group originating from Oak Cliff, a suburb of Dallas, Texas, active between 1964 and 1967. Drawing inspiration from British bands such as the Beatles and the Kinks, alongside the folk rock sound of the Byrds, they abbreviated their name to the Penthouse in 1967. Occasionally, they performed as a soul ensemble under the name Dr. William’s Soul Emporium, featuring a horn section.
History
Established in 1964 in Oak Cliff, Texas, the ensemble initially operated under the name the Four Barrels. The founding lineup included Walter Buchanan (vocals), Justin Brown (lead guitar), Steve Wood (rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals), Bill Looney (rhythm guitar, later bass), and Mark Porter (drums). By 1965, they adopted the name Penthouse 5 to imply being "top of the heap." Following Buchanan's departure, Rob Graham assumed lead vocal duties. The band regularly performed at venues such as the Rocket Roller Rink and popular teen clubs like the Pit and Panther Club. They secured victories in multiple battles of the bands and appeared on local television's Hi-Ho-Shebang in November 1965. Their touring circuit extended throughout Texas and Louisiana.
The group’s management was overseen by bassist Bill Looney’s father, an attorney who also founded Solar Records. Under his guidance, they recorded their debut single, "Bad Girl" b/w "Don't Mess Around With My Dream," composed by Rob Graham and Dallas musician Ron Price. This record was produced by Edwin Greines at Sellers and Summit Studios and marked their initial regional market entry. In late 1966, after Rob Graham was dismissed by management, Brown and Porter left the band. Their replacements included Jon Williams (vocals, keyboards, harmonica), Richard "Lurch" Keathley (lead guitar, vocals), and Mike Echart (drums).
As the Penthouse, they produced roughly six additional singles with producer Edward Greines for the Solar and Hawk labels. Their musical style shifted toward a heavier sound while maintaining Beatles-inspired elements on tracks like "You're Gonna Make Me," which had previously been released by the WordD on Hawk Records. Occasionally performing as Dr. William’s Soul Emporium with added horn musicians Larry Hullett (trumpet) and Scott Sanford (saxophone), they expanded their musical range. Dale Hawkins—famous for composing "Suzie Q"—acted as A&R during some recording sessions.
The band disbanded in late 1967 after Steve Wood moved to California to front the New Life band and subsequently work with The Pointer Sisters and Kenny Loggins; other members left the music business entirely.
In later years, The Penthouse 5’s recordings have attracted attention from garage rock enthusiasts. Their complete works have been compiled on releases such as The Penthouse 5 – The WordD Is Love! (Collectibles Records), paired with fellow Dallas group the WordD, as well as on Texas Punk 1966 Vol.4 - Dallas Psychedelic Gold From The 60's.
1964-1965
- Walter Buchanan (vocals)
- Justin Brown (lead guitar)
- Steve Wood (guitar, vocals, keyboards)
- Bill Looney (bass)
- Mark Porter (drums)
1965-1966
- Rob Graham (vocals)
- Justin Brown (lead guitar)
- Steve Wood (guitar, vocals, keyboards)
- Bill Looney (bass)
- Mark Porter (drums)
1967
- Jon Williams – vocals
- Richard Keathley – guitar
- Mike Echart – drums
- Tommy Loama – guitar
- Steve Wood – guitar, vocals, keyboards
- Bill Looney – bass
- Tommy DeSalvo – keyboards
- Gary Ivy – guitar
- Mike Evans – guitar
- Scott Sanford – saxophone
- Larry Hullet – trumpet
Discography
- "Bad Girl" backed with "In His Shadow" (Solar 421/2, June 1966)
- "You're Gonna Make Me" backed with "Don't Mess Around with My Dream" (Hawk 2-67, February 1967)