Video: Slippin' and Slidin'

SLIPPIN' and SLIDIN' - This song was recorded in Chicago by Tobin Matthews (Willy Henson) in 1961 on USA Records. Record producer, Mel London, heard us perform this song at Keymans Ballroom and requested that we record it on our next session. The band members were - Jimmy McHugh-guitar, Ron Lane-guitar, Norby King-drums, Frankie Gage-bass and a few studio musicians. Great sax man, I wish I could remember his name. This was a cover of a Little Richard hit.

The Show Must Go On

We were playing for a Jim Lounsbury dance at a high school in Illinois. My drummer, Norby King, was late showing up. We had an auditorium full of kids and no drummer. The guys and I went to the school music room, rounded up some drums, and Jim Lounsbury was our drummer for the whole first set. Norby did finally make it for the next two sets. Jim did a good job but, I think he was a little relieved he didn't have to drum all night.

Book: "Hey, Look - I'm On TV"

Written by Jim Lounsbury, legendary Chicago personality of television and radio. This book chronicles the early years of TV, radio and rock n' roll in Chicago. Jims "Bandstand Matinee" was one of the first record hop type TV shows in America. He talks about the local bands he used at his live record hop shows, such as, Willy and the Jeepers, The Galaxies, The Millionaires, etc. There are a lot of interesting facts, pictures and stories. Jim hosted a live show Jan. 24th, 1959 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The headliners were Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper. Ten days later, in Clear Lake, Iowa, was the day the music died. We lost Buddy, Richie and the Bopper. For more information about this book, go to - http://www.jimlounsbury.com/

I recorded this song for my daughter Hollys "16th" birthday. I rewrote the lyrics from the Tune Weavers song, "Happy Happy Birthday Baby" so it would be a personal birthday song for Holly. My friend, guitarist and keyboard musician, Jimmy McHugh and I put it on tape in his home so the sound quality is not as good as recording in a studio but, she loved it.

Tobin and Bobby Vinton at Columbia Records office in New York, "1961"

Video: Please Keep Me In Mind

"Please Keep Me In Mind" - Recorded in New York by Tobin Matthews (Willy Henson) in 1962 on Columbia Records. This song was written by Al Kasha who was my manager and A&R man. I'll tell you more about Al in a future post.

This is a page from a Teen Magazine in 1962.
Pcctured are -
Ricky Nelson, Bobby Vee, Johnny Tillotson,
and Tobin Matthews.

Video: Oh Julie

"Oh Julie" - Recorded in Chicago by Tobin Matthews (Willy Henson) in 1961 on USA Records. My band members were, Ron Lane-Guitar, Frankie Gage-Bass, Norby King-Drums and Jimmy McHugh-Guitar. We were known as Willy and the Jeepers before my stage name of Tobin Matthews. This is a cover song of the record recorded by the Creschendos in 1957.

Video: Think It Over

"Think It Over" - Recorded in Chicago by Tobin Matthews (Willy Henson) in 1961 on USA Records. My band members were, Don Smith-Lead Guitar, Frankie Gage-Bass, Norby King-Drums and Jerry Rose-Rhythm Guitar. We were known as Tobin Matthews and the All Stars. This is a cover song of the record recorded by Buddy Holly.

Listen: Where Ya Been

Willy and the Jeepers

Recorded 1958
Written by Jimmy McHugh
Recorded at Frank McNulty Studios

This was our opening song and wow was it a crowd mover. It was raw rock and roll!
At this time the band was named "Willy and the Jeepers". I was the singer, Lead Guitar-Ron Lane, Rhythm Guitar-Jimmy McHugh, Drums-Norby King, Bass-Frankie Gage.