The Underdogs (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Headquarters | Grosse Pointe, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music, singles |
The Underdogs were a 1960s American garage rock group originating from Grosse Pointe, Michigan. They held a prominent position at the Hideout, a venue instrumental in launching the careers of artists such as Bob Seger, Glenn Frey, and The Pleasure Seekers with Suzi Quatro. The Hideout also operated its own record label, which issued multiple singles by The Underdogs. While the band enjoyed regional acclaim and came close to national recognition through releases on Reprise Records and later Motown’s VIP imprint, their music has been preserved on garage rock anthologies, including the 1998 Nuggets collection released by Rhino Records.
History
Established in 1964 by high school students from Grosse Pointe under the leadership of Dave Whitehouse, The Underdogs initially consisted of Whitehouse (lead vocals, bass), Chuck Shermetaro (lead guitar), Chris Lena (rhythm guitar), and Michael Morgan (drums). They became fixtures at the Hideout, a teen dance club founded in 1963 by Dave Leone and Ed "Punch" Andrews. The club’s growing popularity encouraged its founders to launch Hideout Records to promote local talent. Other notable acts regularly performing there included Bob Seger & the Last Herd, the Fugitives, Doug Brown & the Omens, the Heavy Metal Kids (featuring Glenn Frey), The Pleasure Seekers, and Ted Nugent’s group, the Lourds.
In 1965, The Underdogs debuted Hideout’s first single with "Man in the Glass" backed by "Judy Be Mine (Friday at the Hideout)," the latter later interpreted by the Romantics. "Man in the Glass" achieved local success and secured a distribution arrangement with Reprise Records. However, Reprise ceased promotion upon learning that the lyrics were adapted from an Alcoholics Anonymous poem written by Peter Dale Wimbrow, Sr. Despite this hurdle, Hideout released a sampler LP that included two additional tracks—“Surprise, Surprise,” previously recorded by the Rolling Stones, and “Get Down on Your Knees,” co-written by Bob Seger and Dave Whitehouse. Later in 1965, Tony Roumell replaced Shermetaro as lead guitarist.
Their 1966 single "Little Girl" b/w "Don't Pretend," initially launched on Hideout and subsequently on Reprise without issues, did not achieve national chart success despite regional popularity. Bob Seger had originally penned "East Side Story" for The Underdogs but chose to record it himself after Hideout declined their version. By September 1966, members Jack Louisell and Steve Perrin departed for college, leaving the band as a four-piece ensemble.
Following Reprise’s withdrawal, Motown signed The Underdogs to their VIP label—reportedly making them Motown’s inaugural white act. In 1966, they recorded a cover of Holland-Dozier-Holland’s "Love's Gone Bad," initially performed by Chris Clark. Although the single reached #122 on the charts, it fell short of Motown’s commercial expectations. Its B-side was "MoJo Hanna," produced by Clarence Paul and previously recorded by artists such as Marvin Gaye and Esther Phillips. The group also recorded unreleased material for Motown including "The Way You Do the Things You Do." As Detroit’s music scene evolved toward venues like Grande Ballroom and following key personnel changes—including Leone’s military draft leading to Hideout’s closure—the band ultimately dissolved.
Leone later worked as a booking agent for Ted Nugent until his passing in 1999; co-owner Punch Andrews went on to manage Bob Seger and Kid Rock.
The Underdogs’ recordings continue to be prized among garage rock enthusiasts. Their songs are featured on compilations such as Friday At The Hideout: Boss Detroit Garage 1964-67, which includes six tracks by The Underdogs like “Man In The Glass” and “Get Down On Your Knees.” They also appear on Michigan Nuggets released by Belvedere Records. Their rendition of "Love's Gone Bad" is part of Rhino Records’ deluxe 1998 Nuggets box set. Furthermore, ten previously unreleased Motown recordings surfaced on the Motown Unreleased 1967 compilation available via streaming services.
Membership
- Dave Whitehouse (bass guitar, vocals) (April 13, 1949 – February 6, 2023)
- Chuck Shermetaro (lead guitarist)
- Steve Perrin (rhythm guitarist)
- Chris Lena (rhythm guitarist)
- Jack Louisell (keyboardist)
- Michael Morgan (drummer) (December 9, 1948 – March 28, 2008)
- Tony Roumell (lead guitarist)
Discography
- "Man in the Glass" with B-side "Judy be Mine" (Hideout 1001, June 1965; Reprise 0420, September 1965, reached US Cash Box #133)
- "Little Girl" backed with "Don't Pretend" (Hideout 1004, November 1965; Reprise 1446, January 1966)
- "Surprise, Surprise" coupled with "Get Down on Your Knees" (Hideout 1011, May 1966)
- "Love's Gone Bad" featuring "Mojo Hanna" on the flip side (VIP 25040, January 1967; peaked at US Billboard #122)