Category Archives: Kix

The Challengers

A group of teens from the town of Wilson, east of Raleigh, North Carolina, recorded this raver at Sound City studios in nearby Bailey.

“Moon, Send My Baby” was written by J. Hodges, and the flip, a 50’s type pop number called “Dream” (written by M. Holland). It was released on the Kix label in 1971.

I didn’t know who was in the group until Phillip Bunn commented below:

The first line-up consisted of guitarist Earl Daniels, drummer Bruce Pittman, bassist Billy Bradshaw, keyboards – Johnny Allen and lead singer J.A. Cooper. The last line-up consisted of guitarist Bobby Denton, guitarist Phil Bunn, bassist Charlie Williams, keyboards – Johnny Allen, drummers – Jimmy Renfrow, later replaced by Danny Hayes.

Phillip also wrote that original guitarist Earl Daniels died of cancer in the early ’70s.

Update, April 2018:

Johnny Corbett sent in the photo and business card and wrote:
Challengers Wilson NC business card

This is the last line up in The Challengers Band from Wilson, N.C. The members were J.A.Cooper, the original singer; Johnny Corbett, lead guitarist; Steve Odom, drummer; Tommy Balance, bassist; Gail Daniel, keyboards; Randy Boykin, rhythm guitarist.

The band was active until 1976, Wilma Daniel was the manager & did  bookings along with Joe Steinbach who was a local DJ and music store owner.

Challengers Wilson NC photo
Last line up of The Challengers Band from Wilson, including J.A.Cooper, Johnny Corbett, Steve Odom, Tommy Balance, Gail Daniel,and Randy Boykin.