The Sixth Generation
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Niles, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
| Website | www |
The Sixth Generation is a rock group from the United States, established in 1966 and known for their unique vocal harmonies. Following a breakup in 1970 prompted by college commitments and military draft concerns, the founding members reunited in 2011 and resumed live performances. Their track “Livin’ In A Small Town” achieved significant success, reaching the No. 2 position on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart on August 1, 2015.
History
Originating in Niles, Michigan in 1966, The Sixth Generation launched their first single “This Is The Time” through GMA Records in August 1967. The recording took place at Sound Studios in Chicago, and the song quickly became a local chart-topper. They performed extensively throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois before disbanding in 1970.
Reformation
The band reunited in October 2010 with original members returning to the lineup, resuming both recording sessions and touring activities by mid-2011. That same year, they released the single “That Was The Time” and earned induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. Their album “That Was… This Is,” released in October 2012, featured a blend of original compositions alongside reinterpretations of classic 1960s hits that highlighted their harmonic style.
In 2013, inspired by the British Invasion, they released “Rock On England” coinciding with a UK tour that included appearances at Liverpool’s Cavern Club. The following year saw the release of singles “Rolling Thunder” and “Dance On The Wind,” accompanied by performances ranging from Chicago’s lakefront to Washington, DC’s National Mall.
Their June 2015 single “Livin’ In A Small Town,” distributed by PolyPlat, ascended to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Single Sales chart by July 18 and reached its peak at No. 2 on August 1, second only to the Rolling Stones’ anniversary edition of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
Members
The lineup features original members Ron Hamrick (keyboards, vocals), Dave Walenga (drums, vocals), Paul Davies (bass guitar, vocals), and Fred Hulce (keyboards, vocals). Each member plays a vital role in crafting the band’s distinctive harmonies and shares lead vocal responsibilities across different songs.
Singles
- "This Is The Time" released by GMA Records (1967)
- "That Was The Time" (2011)
- "Rock On England" (2013)
- "Dance On The Wind" (2014)
- "Rolling Thunder" (2014)
- "Livin' In A Small Town" issued by PolyPlat (2015)
Albums
- That Was ... This Is (2012)
- Feeling Good (2016)