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Gypsy

Gypsy was formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1969. Enrico Rosenbaum and James Johnson had previously played together in a band called The Underbeats, which had some local success in the 1960s.

The band's name was reportedly suggested by a friend of the band who was a tarot card reader. The name "Gypsy" was chosen because it had a mystical, exotic feel that fit with the band's music.

Gypsy's music was heavily influenced by classical music, and the band often incorporated complex arrangements and orchestral instruments into their songs. Enrico Rosenbaum, in particular, was known for his virtuosic guitar playing and his use of classical guitar techniques in rock music.

Gypsy's music has continued to be influential among progressive rock fans and musicians. The band's songs have been covered by other artists, and their albums have been reissued on CD and vinyl.

Thanks to Scott Quittem for keeping me straight with the band lineup from 1975-1978. -GSH


The Underbeats I (1964 - ? )
  • James Johnson - guitar - b. James C. Johnson
  • Doni Larson - bass
  • Tom Green - drums

The Underbeats II ( ? - ? )
  • James Johnson - guitar
  • Doni Larson - bass
  • Tom Green - drums
  • Enrico Rosenbaum - guitar/vocals - d. 1979
James Johnson gets drafted into U.S. service (armed forces).

The Underbeats III ( ? - 1969)
  • Doni Larson - bass
  • Tom Green - drums
  • Enrico Rosenbaum - guitar/vocals
  • James "Owl" Walsh - keyboards

The Underbeats IV (1969)
  • Doni Larson - bass
  • Tom Green - drums
  • Enrico Rosenbaum - guitar/vocals
  • James "Owl" Walsh - keyboards
  • James Johnson - guitar

Gypsy I (1969 - 1971)
  • Doni Larson - bass
  • Enrico Rosenbaum - guitar/vocals/percussion
  • James "Owl" Walsh - keyboards/vocals/percussion
  • James Johnson - guitar/vocals
  • Jay Epstein - drums
Album:
  1. "Gypsy" (1970) - Singles: "Dead and Gone", "Gypsy Queen, Part III" - Incredible debut originally released as a 2-album set...it just doesn't get much better than this.

Gypsy II (1971)
  • Enrico Rosenbaum - guitar/vocals/percussion
  • James "Owl" Walsh - keyboards/vocals/percussion
  • James Johnson - guitar/vocals
  • Willie Weeks - bass
  • Bill Lordan - drums
  • Randy Cates - vocals
  • Joe Lala - congas
Album:
  1. "In the Garden" (1971) - Single: "As Far As You Can See"
Willie Weeks later joins The Doobie Brothers.

Gypsy III (1971 - 1975)
  • Enrico Rosenbaum - guitar/vocals/percussion
  • James "Owl" Walsh - keyboards/vocals/percussion
  • James Johnson - guitar/vocals
  • Bill Lordan - drums
  • Randy Cates - bass/vocals
Albums:
  1. "Antithesis" (1972) - Single: "Day After Day"
  2. "Unlock the Gates" (1973) - Singles: "Don't Bother Me", "Need You Baby"
Group disbands.  Bill Lordan joins Sly and the Family Stone, and later joins Robin Trower.

Gypsy IV (1978)
  • James "Owl" Walsh - keyboards/synthesizer/vocals
  • Jim Behringer - guitar/avitar/vocals
  • Bob Jones - guitar/keyboards/vocals
  • Scott Fronsoe - bass/vocals
  • Ernie LaViolette - drums/percussion
  • Richard Jorgensen - trumpet/flugelhorn/vocals
  • Deone Johnson - trumpet/flugelhorn/vocals
  • Todd Hansen - trombone/bass trombone/vocals
Album:
  1. "The James Walsh Gypsy Band" (1978) - Singles: "Cuz It's You, Girl", "Love Is For the Best In Us"
Group disbands.  (Ref: Scott Quittem, for the lineup and singles info.)

Gypsy V (1999 - Present) (reformed)
  • James "Owl" Walsh - keyboards/vocals
  • James Johnson - guitar/vocals
  • Al Mevissen - guitar/vocals
  • Dave Challman - guitar/vocals
  • Bob Jones - bass/vocals
  • Stan Kipper - drums/vocals
  • Mark "Chico" Perez - percussion/vocals

Links:

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Last Revised:  March 14, 2001
© 1999, 2000, 2001 by Gary S. Hartman.  All rights reserved.
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