The Smubbs
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Long Island, New York, United States |
| Founder | Richard Segall, Michael Segall, George Utter, Jimmy Braunreuther, Al Braunreuther, Mollinelli |
| Defunct | 1970 |
| Headquarters | Long Island , United States |
| Products | Psychedelic pop music |
The Smubbs were a psychedelic pop ensemble originating from Long Island, New York in 1964. The band earned recognition by opening for major groups like the Byrds and James Gang, as well as performing complimentary shows alongside Spooky Tooth and Traffic. Additionally, they joined folk legend Pete Seeger on tour. Their discography includes one studio album and multiple singles before their dissolution in 1970. Importantly, The Smubbs were pioneers in integrating environmental themes into their music to raise public consciousness.
History
The Smubbs were established by brothers Richard Segall and Michael Segall, who teamed up with fellow St. Anthony’s students George Utter, siblings Jimmy and Al Braunreuther, plus Mollinelli. The band’s name was derived from the initials of the founding members’ surnames; however, Mollinelli departed shortly after formation.
Their first single was issued through ABC-Paramount Records in 1966. Prior to releasing their second single in 1968, Jerry Davis and Vinny Villany succeeded the Braunreuther brothers. Their regional popularity led to a deal with Monument Records. Their sole album, This Is The End Of The Night!, was released before the group disbanded. The Smubbs also appeared on television shows such as Upbeat and WCBS-TV’s Callback!
The band’s final single, "Un-Pollution," was famously performed while dressed in pig costumes at the inaugural Earth Day event. This track included an extended cut featuring an excerpt from President Richard Nixon’s 1970 State of the Union Address and was distributed to all U.S. senators, representatives, and governors. This environmentally conscious effort caught Pete Seeger’s attention, resulting in an invitation for a nationwide tour.
Later that year, the group disbanded. Richard Segall relocated to Hollywood, where his son Ricky Segall pursued acting on The Partridge Family. George Utter and Steven Shene remained active musically by forming Day Olde Tradition alongside Shene’s spouse.
In 2018, former manager Louis Lofredo independently released new digital material from the band via Carlou Music (BMI), including previously unreleased songs and re-recordings, without participation from any ex-members.
Personnel
Founding members
- Richard Segall – lead vocals (1964–1970)
- Mollinelli – percussion (1964)
- George Utter – rhythm guitar (1964–1970)
- Jimmy Braunreuther – lead guitar (1964–1967)
- Al Braunreuther – percussion (1964–1967)
- Michael Segall – bass guitar, backing vocals (1964–1968; died 2023)
Subsequent members
- Jerry Davis – lead guitar (1967–1970; deceased)
- Vinny Villany – percussion (1967–1970; deceased)
- Steven Shene – bass guitar (1968–1970)
- Nicholas Marchiano – (1970)
Singles
- "Down On The Corner" / "Don't Come Close" (1966) (ABC 45-10797)
- "It Can't Be Too Late" / "Her Love" (1968) (Spring SK 703 SS)
- "Rosary Anne" / "Mr. Open Minded" (1968) (Monument MN 45-1110)
- "Wait Another Heartache" / "White Paper Sail" (1969) (Monument MN 45-1141)
- "Mommas Blues" / "Children" (1970)
- "Un-Pollution (Short Version)" / "Un-Pollution (Complete Version)" (1970) (Monument MN 45-1191)
Albums
- This Is The End Of The Night! (1969) (Monument SLP 18112)
- The Last Album (2018)