Category Archives: Quill

The Riddles

The Riddles, from left: Wes Dobson, Ron Fricano, Lee Adams and Rick Harper
from left: Wes Dobson, Ron Fricano, Lee Adams and Rick Harper

The Riddles were all from the well-to-do western suburbs of Chicago, around Elmhurst. Members were:

Patrick Harper – lead vocals and lead guitar
Lee Adams – vocals and bass
Weston Dobson – rhythm guitar
Ronald Fricano – drums.

The Riddles Quill 45 It's One Thing to SayThey recorded a cover of the Searchers hit “Sweets For My Sweet” which made the charts on Chicago stations WLS and WCFL in April of 1967, but it’s the b-side that I dig, the very cool original “It’s One Thing To Say”, written by Pat Harper and Wes Dobson. Edgewater music publisher Peter Wright often placed records with Mercury Records, so the 45 was released locally on Qull and with national distribution on Mercury.

The Riddles were frequent guests on the local Chicago TV program Kiddie A-Go-Go. They played a benefit concert with the New Colony Six in Grant Park on September 27, 1967, then disappeared, probably off to college to avoid the draft.

Thanks to Chris S. for sending in the photo of the band, and to Jim M. for alerting me to the interview with Jack Mulqueen of Kiddie A Go go by Phil X. Milstein. Mercury promo photo sent in by John ‘Nusound’.

Riddles Mercury promo photo