The Rebels (rockabilly band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas , United States |
| Products | Rockabilly music |
The Rebels were a rockabilly ensemble originating from Dallas, Texas, recognized for their collaborations with Gene Summers on tracks such as "School of Rock 'n Roll" and "Straight Skirt." The founding members consisted of James McClung on guitar, Gary Moon handling drums, and Benny Williams playing slap bass, with pianist Bill Brown joining the group subsequently. Notably, they were among the first rock 'n roll groups to adopt the name "Rebels," preceding both Duane Eddy's Rebels and the surf music band called Rebels.
History
Established in 1957 during their high school years in Duncanville, Texas, The Rebels partnered with vocalist Gene Summers. Their performances included local spots like Carswell Air Force Base and appearances on Dallas television programs such as KRLD-TV’s "Joe Bill's Country Picnic." It was during this period that songwriter Jed Tarver discovered them and facilitated a recording contract with Jan Records.
The band's initial single, which debuted on February 1, 1958, featured Tarver's "Straight Skirt" alongside McClung's original composition "School of Rock 'n Roll." "Straight Skirt" achieved regional success, enhancing the group's visibility through record hops, live shows, and media exposure across the country. Following several months on tour, Williams and Moon departed; McClung and Summers brought in new musicians and maintained their performances until their breakup in 1961. Summers then embarked on a solo path, continuing to record and tour internationally well into the 21st century.
References
- Solly, Bob. (2005). "100 Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Records". Diamond Publishing Company LTD, UK.
- Go Cat Go by Craig Morrison (University Of Illinois Press, 1998)
- Articles and sessionographies in New Kommotion Magazine Nos. 15 (1977) and 23 (1980), UK
- Feature articles with photo spreads in Bill Griggs' Rockin' 50s Magazine issues 53 and 54 (2002), USA
- Feature article and sessionography in Rockin' Fifties Magazine No. 74 (1999), Germany
- Cover photo and article in UK Rock Magazine No. 28 (2006), UK
- Liner notes: The Ultimate School Of Rock & Roll CD (1997, USA); Rockaboogie Shake CD (1999, UK); School Of Rock 'n Roll (1994, Netherlands)
- Rockabilly Hall of Fame Page retrieved August 6, 2008.