Main   The Connection Collection   About   History

This page contains ads and links that earn commissions for CRC.

The Gentrys

The Gentrys were a rock band from Memphis, Tennessee, that were active from the early 1960s to the early 1970s. The band was formed in 1963 and consisted of five members: Larry Raspberry (lead vocals, guitar), Jimmy Hart (bass), Bruce Bowles (keyboards), Bobby Fisher (drums), and Larry Wall (saxophone).

The Gentrys gained popularity with their 1965 hit single "Keep on Dancing," which reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was a cover of a 1963 hit by The Avantis and was produced by Chips Moman, a legendary producer and songwriter who worked with many famous musicians, including Elvis Presley.

After "Keep on Dancing," The Gentrys had several other minor hits, including "Spread It on Thick" and "Cinnamon Girl," which was a cover of a Neil Young song. The band's music was primarily influenced by the British Invasion bands of the time, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

The Gentrys disbanded in the early 1970s, and some of the members went on to pursue solo careers or work as session musicians. Jimmy Hart, the band's bassist, went on to become a professional wrestling manager and is best known for his work with the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE).

Despite only being active for a short period, The Gentrys left a lasting impact on the Memphis music scene and are remembered as one of the city's most successful rock bands.


The Gentrys I (1963 - 1966)
  • Larry Raspberry - guitar/vocals
  • Pat Neal - bass
  • Bobby Fisher - keyboards/guitar/sax
  • Jimmy Johnson - keyboards/trumpet
  • Larry Wall - drums
  • Bruce Bowles - vocals
  • Jimmy Hart - vocals
Album:
  1. "Keep On Dancing" (1965) - Single: "Keep On Dancing"
Group disbands.  Larry Raspberry forms Alamo, and later forms Larry Raspberry and the Highsteppers.

The Gentrys II (1969 - 1970) (reformed)
  • Jimmy Hart - vocals
  • Jimmy Tarbutton - guitar
  • Steve Speer - bass - b. Stephen Speer
  • David Beaver - keyboards
  • Mike Gardner - drums
Album:
  1. "The Gentrys" (1970) - Singles: "Why Should I Cry", "Cinnamon Girl", "Wild World"
Jimmy Hart later becomes well known for his association with professional wrestling.

Compilations:
  1. "Cinnamon Girl: The Very Best of The Gentrys" (1999)

Links:
Back to Home
Last Revised:  September 25, 2005
© 2005 by Gary S. Hartman.  All rights reserved.
Advertisement

 Navigation ~ Forums TOS
 Privacy & Legal ~ Sitemap

Home

This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or its affiliates.

Powered by The Classic Rock Connection
Portions copyright ©2010-2023