The Mind's Eye, Texas State Fair, 1967

The Mind’s Eye from Nocoma

The Mind’s Eye at the Action Spot, October 1967 From right to left: James Morris, Mark Finley, Gary O’Neal, Carroll Fuller, with drumsticks in back pocket. In the background is Karen Nunneley, and Larry Lemons

A couple years ago I posted list of bands playing the 1967 Texas State Fair. Many of the groups named are still a mystery to me. There were other bands who played who weren’t even on the list, including this group from a small town near the Oklahoma border.

Carroll Fuller sent in the photos and wrote to me about the Mind’s Eye, and in 2016 Larry G. Lemons gave this history:

Although not listed on your clipping, The Mind’s Eye, from Nocona, Texas, also played in the Battle of the Bands on the Action Spot Stage at the 1967 Texas State Fair. Pictured here are the original members from right to left are James Morris (bass guitar), Marcus Finley (rhythm guitar), Gary O’Neal (lead guitar), Carroll Fuller (drums). In the background are Karen Nunneley (organ and vocal), and Larry G. Lemons (organ).

The band played together at youth centers, dances, and parties in and around Montague County (north of Fort Worth near the Red River) from 1966 to 1968. Marcus was later killed in a tragic motorcycle accident. After a time, James and Karen left the group to pursue other interests. Gary, Carroll, and Larry continued on and added Glen Idell to the lineup on bass.

After disbanding in 1968, Gary and Karen went on to play professionally for several years as each explored other styles of music including gospel and bluegrass. All members went on to pursue successful careers outside of the music industry.

Almost fifty years later, because of their life-long friendships and a love for 60’s rock and roll, the band has reunited to play a one-off concert at their local Nocona High School Triennial Homecoming as they reprise many of their favorite songs. Added to the line-up for the concert will be bass guitarist extraordinaire and master sound engineer, George Geurin, another Nocona 60’s garage band musician who played with Concrete Flower.

Larry G. Lemons

Carroll Fuller adds:

Following us was a band from Denton called The G’s [one single “There’s a Time” / “‘Cause She’s My Girl” on the Young Generation label]. The G’s were a very talented bunch, or at least they were to us, coming from a small town and all!  I just remember them playing “Things I Should have Said” by the Grassroots that really blew us away!

Gary, our guitarist and vocalist went on to play with a band out of Bowie, TX called Horsefly.

Carroll Fuller

The Mind's Eye at the Action Spot, Texas State Fair, 1967
The Mind’s Eye at the Action Spot, Texas State Fair, 1967
The Mind's Eye, Texas State Fair, 1967
The Mind’s Eye, Texas State Fair, 1967 from left: Marcus Finley, Carroll Fuller, Karen Nunneley, Gary O’Neal, James Morris, & Larry G. Lemons
The Mind's Eye at the Action Spot, Texas State Fair, 1967
The Mind’s Eye at the Action Spot, Texas State Fair, 1967

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