This picture of the band and I was taken in 1961 after performing at a record hop. Pictured with me are Don Smith, Frankie Gage, Danny Pawlak and Jerry Rose.
This is an early photo of Jimmy McHugh, probably the late 50s. Jimmy played lead/rhythm guitar in the "Jeepers" band. After leaving our group to attend Drake University, he recorded "I Don't Want Everything" for Success Records. Today, playing the keyboard, he is still active at various venues in N. W. Indiana and the Chicago area. Love that guitar!! Jimmy and Tobin
I was an early rock and roll singer and began my career in Chicago in 1957. Most of my younger years, I lived in Calumet City, Ill. til the age of 21. My real name is Willy Henson, stage name, Tobin Matthews. Bob and Dick Poppel and Erma J. Nelson, all from Poppels Under 21 Tropicana Club in Riverdale, Ill., set me up with my first band, The Rhythm Rockers My next band was Jimmy and the Jeepers later changed to Willy and the Jeepers I worked with a lot of the Chicago DJs, Jim Lounsbury, Jan Gabriel, Dell Clark, Howard Miller, Pappy John and many others. We played many record hops, school proms, etc.
I recorded for USA, Columbia and Warner Bros. records from 1960 to 1966.
Today, the best things in my life are my daughters Holly and Carrie, my grandsons Ty, and Cam and my granddaughter Payge. I have two brothers, George and Tim, and one sister, Marcia. I enjoy listening to my oldies record collection, flea markets, auto racing and Da Bears.
Looking forward to the new task of documenting my early music career on this blog that my daughter Holly helped me create.