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

120 thoughts on “The Riddles”

    1. Let us not forget that they were the house band for the restaurant dance club called Max Golden pheasant in Elmhurst at North Avenue and Route 83. While attending Elmhurst College I met the general manager from Maxcys and often was called and asked to become a stand-in doorman and security on Friday and Saturday nights. They were a great group great personalities and great music. The downstairs dance club was always filled to capacity on Friday and Saturday night when they played.

    2. Sorry,I went to York HS in Elmhurst with Lee Adams.We played ball there.Later we both were in bands.Lee and I had an apartment in 1966/67.
      We both were from Elmhurst.Wes Dobson lived in Villa Park.I think Harper taught guitar in Oakbrook.I also believe Ron was from the area.Sorry but I never heard of any tie to any other towns..Just trying to clear things up..

      Thanks

    3. Saw the Riddles play I a bar in Vail, CO around 1970. They did the most memorable version of “Ohio” that I’ve ever seen.

  1. I grew up with Lee Adams. He lived the next block down. We lived in Elmhurst. Lee was in an Elmhurst Band called the Roadrunners with Richard Hintz, Jim Zakos, and Steve Mabie, all Elmhust boys. From Villa Park came the Stereos – Wes Dobson, Patrick and Ron Fricano and one other guy. The other guy left the Stereos. The Roadrunners disbanded and Lee Adams joined the other three to form The Riddles.

    Brian

  2. Attention: Joe Marjanick
    Just wanted to let you know your Favorite DJ,(and mine too!)Dick
    Biondi is alive and well! He’s on-the-air @ Chicago’s 94.7 FM.

  3. WLS, was the radio station of choice for most of the teenagers where I lived in down state Illinois. Cruzin’ “Steak & Shake” Marty K’s, you could here the same song on a bazillion car radio’s. Darn I miss old Dick Beondi(?) he was the best DJ I’ve ever listened to.

    As A Side note, your site is a “Hoot”, great music and long forgotten groups, some I’ve actually seen, brings back a ton of memories, thank you!

  4. The Riddles often played for a dance hall called “The Hut” in Des Plaines, Il where
    I met them along with their manager Lisle Gillman. Patrick Harper went by his middle
    name “Rick”. Rick taught guitar at the Roselle School of Music which was owned by Mr. Gillman. – I took lessons from him for about 2 years. The riddles specialized in oldies (50’s) music. Rick ultimately went to Nashville and because Kenny Rogers’ lead guitar. I was told that Lee, who sang the lead on Sweets for my Sweet, died not long
    after the band broke up.

    DAN

  5. Brian,
    I took guitar lessons from Patrick “Rick” Harper at the Roselle School of Music in the mid-60’s. Rick ultimately moved to Nashville and became Kenny Rogers’ Lead
    Guitar player. I was informed that Lee had died by Lisle Gillman, owner of the
    Roselle School of Music – can you confirm this??? Lee, according to Rick, had a
    better commercial voice, and that’s why he sang the lead on “Sweets for my Sweet”. I saw the Riddles play at The New Place (Algonquin) in addition to The Hut, in Des Plaines, where they played often. This is where I met them. They specialized in Oldies (50’s) music and did it well.

    Dan

  6. Hey! How could anybody forget that the Riddles played at C.B.s (Coffee Break) in Elmhurst ILL. on Lake St.They also played at the Blue Village in Westmont ILL. I got to know Rick a little bit as I went to these two dance places quite a bit.I also went to school with one of Rick’s girlfriends Judy Harrington. They both lived at International Village in Lombard ILL. I also remember Ricks cool looking yellow Avanti he drove.

  7. Greetings, I happened upon this site by sheer error.
    I was the original bass player in the Stereo’s, the band that grew into the Riddles. Rick, Ron, Wes and I played while all in Willowbrook HS.
    Army interviened in my career, but also tought at Rosele School of Music.
    Lee Adams replaced me and did pass away years ago.

    Great to read about this again

    Dee

    1. Dee, It’s great to know you are still out there. I lived in Roselle and took bass lessons from you for a few months until financial straits forced me to quit. I loved going to the local teen dance place to see and hear you guys. It was an old building that was converted to a pretty cool place called “The Dark Spot”, right by the tracks crossing Roselle Road. I moved away in high school. Great memories!

    2. Hi Dee. Were you with the Riddles when they recorded “Its One
      Thing to Say” and ” Sweets for my Sweet” ?

  8. I am the other guy you mentioned.

    Army got in the way of this fun band
    Great to read after all these years

    Dee Simmons

  9. Since I was the Drummer for the Riddles, I can say NONE of us were from Crystal Lake. Harry Young has got it right, we were all from Different areas. We did not try avoid the draft by going to collage, we didn’t even go to collage! We just could not come up with another song to release. As so many bands, we just faded away into bars. I also taught at Roselle School of Music. I now live in Michigan, and continue to teach music at the age of 63!! (choke!) I cannot believe the interest in our band or our one and only record. It’s amazing!! 41 years ago!! Ron Fricano

    1. Hi Ron;
      I’m sure you don’t remember me; but we used to write to each other back in the ’60’s. You lived on Monterey, in Oakbrook, IL and I lived in Dolton, IL.
      I was going through some “memory” boxes and stumbled across the letters you sent me.
      My girlfriend and I used to “follow” you guys around and loved it when you played at our high school, Thornridge High.
      Loved your single and am very glad to hear that you stayed in music by teaching young minds the beauty and wonder of music, and hopefully the part you played in it..
      Just wanted to say “HI”, after all these years….and maybe jog your 63 yr old memory, the way you jogged mine!

      Peace and Love
      Cheryl Jezewski-Breo

    2. I was scanning through all the posts and I was wondering if anyone had any type of photos, newspaper clippings, etc., regarding Lyle Gillman. I’m his niece and am collecting same and creating an album of sorts for his Christmas present. The man is impossible to buy for!!! If you have anything that you think I could use, please email me at dlszady@hotmail.com — It is really great to read all your comments — I remember as a kid driving to see his new store… In those days from Chicago to Roselle, it seemed like a 6 hour drive!!

    3. Hey Ron. Larry Brown from the Odds and Endz. As I recall the Riddles were actually based out of Roselle as Lisle was your manager and that was kind of the home base for you guys. We were also out of Roselle and were the house band at the Dark Spot which was owned by Mel Perry. I was the keyboard player/vocalist, and we had Pete Kent on Drums and vocals, Tom Shaughnessy on Bass and vocals, Charlie Stratton on lead guitar and vocals and Tom Bowler on Rhythm guitar and vocals. Bowler and I were from Proviso East. Pete and TS were from Proviso West and Charlie was from York. Our respective bands used to play at the Dark Spot along with the Shady Daze and a few others. The Odds and Endz also played at the Blue Village. The owner of that place managed the Shady Daze and there was a lot of trade offs with Mel Perry booking us at the Village and the Daze playing at the Dark Spot. I later went to Berklee as a guitar major and I’ve been teaching, gigging and recording for the past 35 years. I live in Vermont now. Pete’s in Nashville. The other guys are back in the Chicago burbs. Those were really great days. Teen clubs were everywhere and we must have played all of them.

    4. Ron, I took lessons from Rick (mid-sixties) and am still playing guitar and bass. If you ever talk to him please let him know that I’m practicing!

    5. Ron, I tried to leave a reply the other day, not sure if it was posted. Rick was my guitar teacher in the 60s. I’m still playing guitar and bass. If you talk to Rick please tell him that I’m practicing! Fred

    6. Hi Ron. I have been trying to contact you about The Riddles.
      I am working on a music project about all the great “garage bands”
      in the Chicago suburbs. I can be reached at 630 878-0724 or
      wstjohn1950@gmail.com. Thanks!
      Bill St. John

  10. Hi Brian, this is Ron Fricano, can you tell me anything about Rich Hintz, Or his Brother Ross? Thanks.

  11. How cool is that???!!! Nice to see you Ron!!! I believe that the reason for the interest is due to the lack of talent in today’s music scene. The 50’s, 60’s and 70’s are the most creative decades in music. Rediscovering the old and forgotten bands is like hearing new music, even if the only way to hear it is from a scratchy old 45 record!!!

    I found this site because a Chicago DJ, Bob Stroud, 97.1 WDRV, played Sweets For My Sweet, by The Riddles, on his radio show (Rock and Roll Roots), one Sunday morning and I could not locate this record anywhere except an old copy on ebay.

  12. I grew up in Carol Stream and back in 1967 I used to hang out at the West Suburban dance clubs that pre-21 yrs olds could get into and whenever the Riddles were playing, I ‘d go! I guess you would say I was a Riddles “groupie”! Very talented group of guys and it was always a good time.

  13. Hi:

    I not only took lessons from Rick Harper I played guitar with him last June in Nashville. I am married to Rick’s sister, maiden name is Sheila Harper. They lived in Villa Park and when Sheila and I were married we moved to Elmhurst. Rick was the lead guitar player for Kenny Roger’s from 1977 until 2001. He retired in 2001 because he was sick of the traveling. We visit him every June with the rest of the family. He lives in Nashville with his wife and two children.

    I am not saying this because he is my brother in law, but Rick is one of the best guitar players I have every seen.

    If anyone has questions, just send me an email.

    Phil & Sheila Barnhart

    1. Hi, Phil. I took lessons from Dee Simmons back in the late 60s. Remember Rick and Mr. Gilman. I thought of them a few weeks ago when I heard the Searchers version of “Sweets” and found them and downloaded a copy of the Riddles’ cover from iTunes. What a thrill! I forgot about “It’s One Thing to Say”. I need to go back and look for that now. I loved these guys! The Dark Spot was never more crowded then when the Riddles’ were playing there. I never had any money, but I managed to go a lot when they were there.

  14. Hi:

    I have been married to Rick’s sister since 1965. We just saw him for a week in June in Nashville and were jamming together. I took lessons from Rick, in fact that is how I learned to play guitar. He is still one of the best guitar players I have ever heard. He was the lead guitar player for Kenny Roger’s from 1977 until he retired in 2001. He lives in Nashville with his wife and two children.

    If anyone has questions, feel free to email me.

  15. Hi Ron:

    Saw your post, it’s pretty funny how all these people have the wrong info. How have you been? Sheila and I live in WI and have been here since 1989. I sure miss the good old days at the Pheasant you, John, Lee, and Rick. Oh, and I don’t want to forget Wes.

    Phil

  16. Sweets was officially released on CD this month. Bob Stroud, a Chicago DJ on 97.1 has put out a Rock & Roll Roots CD for the last 10 years and this year’s CD has the song!!!!

    It can be purchased at any Borders Bookstore, but only for a short time, so get it soon!!!!

    Here is a link to the CD info.

    http://www.wdrv.com/roots10.php

    Since this is now an official release, I don’t want to risk anything by violating any copyrights.

  17. I can’t believe I stumbled on to this site but have to chime in. I took lessons from Rick back in the early 70’s at Villa Park Music on St. Charles Rd. If I’m not mistaken, he was a graduate of Willowbrook HS Class of 65? I graduated Willowbrook Class of 70. I have to agree with you Phil that he was and still has to be one of the best and most versatile guitar players I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. You name it, Rock, Country, Jazz or the Standards, he could play it all. In fact I still play his version of Play Misty for Me. Great arrangement and he was a great influence on both my brother and I. My wife and I were also fortunate enough to see him at the Holiday Star Plaza in Merrilville with Kenny Rogers back in the early 90’s. A friend of a friend was able to get us tickets and to meet with him and he was kind enough to bring us back stage and spend an hour or so with him. We had a great time. I never had the chance to see the Riddles live since I was under 21 at the time but do remember running over to that bar next to Mack’s Golden Pheasant on North Ave. one night to stand outside and listen them play. Hope he’s doing well and next time you talk to him tell him Chuck and Joe from Villa Park say Hi!.

  18. I ran across this site, and it rekindles many memories. We all went to the Hut in Des Plaines, the Deep End in Park Ridge, and the Cellar in Arlington Heights to see these guys, as well as the Finchley Boys, and others in the 60s. Our band, the Osage Orange, always hoped to sound as great as they did. It truly was a wonderful time to be alive, the music was amazing. I wish my kids had any place as neat as these clubs were to hear the music and hang out. The Hut was run by my old homeroom teacher from Maine West!

    If anyone has a mp3 of the Riddles’ version of Sweets for my Sweet, I’d love to hear it!

  19. Hi Ron: Remember me from Salt Creek/Willowbrook? I’ve been chatting with Ron Woronicz. He has had some health issues and is very anxious to speak with you. Please write mflanagan97232 at yahoo dot com

  20. Every once in a long while I do a search to see if there is any mention of this band. I can’t believe I found one.

    I saw the Riddles a few times in Lincolnwood on Lincoln Avenue south of Touhy.

    Does anyone know if, by some remote chance, if there is any available music by the Riddles?

    Thanks

  21. Heading over to Michigan again for another hotrod show this summer. Ready for another ride?
    Gwen says to say “HI” to your bride.
    Saw Linda G recently at a party at Sinibali’s
    Stay well
    Dee

  22. Hi Phil How are you? I can’t believe this web site, can you? We live in Michigan. We will have to find each others E-mail. As I said we never went to College, as my wife pointed out I miss spelled college!! Talk to you soon. Ron

  23. Hi Dee it’s Ron, give me a call so I can get your E-mail. so your the other guy and i guess Im the guy nobody ever took drum lessons from.

  24. I bought Sweets for My Sweet back in the 60’s and went crazy for the B side It’s One Thing to Say. I have hunted for years to find out anything about the riddles. I thought the guitar playing on this record was way ahead of it’s time and about as good as I have ever heard for a local band. Thanks for all of the great information on this fantastic band.

  25. Im an 18 year old musician here in the wonderful city of San Fran. I came across the Riddles “Its One Thing to Say” recently and its become one of my favorite songs since. What a great riff. I think its great this site exists..even if sometimes the facts aren’t always 100% on point. Its great too have a source on some of the great lesser known bands of the golden era of music. Music today is subpar. I hope I can bring it back to the 1960s standard.

  26. OMG! I dated you way back when…you would play at The Hut. I had LONG, dark hair and people use to confuse me with your ‘other’ girlfriend at the time. Ah, memories! I’m now in Oregon and have been for 30+ years. It was such fun seeing you post on this site. How are you????

  27. Hi, Dan! Wow, can’t believe I just happened to come across this site! Small world.

    I dated Ron F. for a time in the 60’s. The photo of the band brought back memories. We’ve been in Oregon for over 25 years and so far away from the DP days. Keep in touch with former classmates via the MW Alumni site and Classmates.

    Hope you are doing well. We’ve been ‘retired’ for over 5 years…did it early and love it.

    Take care…Susan ’68

  28. I grew up in Elmhurst with Lee Adams. I remember first seeing the Stereos with at the Coffee Break about 1/2 mile south of York High. They and the Roadrunners were regulars there. I saw a query what happened to Rich Hintz. I last heard from one of his sisters (about 20 years ago) he was working in DeKalb and that his brother Ross had moved into Chicago. Amazing to find that I’m not the only one who remembers some great fun times.

  29. Lee Adams is dead. He was murdered about 1981 or so. He was found in a trash compactor in the basement of Marina Towers in Chicago. Lee was involved in some shady stuff. This I know. But anything else I can offer would be speculation.

    Brian

  30. Ron, Last addresses for the Hintzes from a 1993 York alumni book.

    Richard
    525 N 4th St
    DeKalb, Il, 60115
    815-756-1848

    Ross
    4838 N Walcott, Chicago, Il, 60640
    312-463-0972

  31. WOW I was a Hut regular, Graduated from Maine west in 1966, remembered the Riddles more at the deep end.
    George nice to run across someone with the same great memorys

  32. I played in a band called the DayDreamers and we practiced at the Dark Spot in Roselle. Somewhere along the line we had a black singer called Pieare so we called ourselves Pieare and the Prophets. I remember you when you played drums and taught at Roselle Music. I’m sure you would remember me if you saw me. How are things going in your life. I live in Wheaton, IL.

    1. TS, your memory is fading with age. You were in a band called the Odds and Endz and that’s that group that rehearsed and played as the band at the Dark Spot. Mel Perry was our manager. The Dark Spot didn’t even exist when the Daydreamers were active. You, me, Charlie, Pete and Bowler. The Daydreamers never practiced or played at the Dark Spot. They broke up after high school and reformed as the Odds and Endz with you and Pete, Charlie, Tom Bowler, and me.

      Larry Brown

  33. I lived in villa park ill. and I heard them play at wes dobsons house and at Santa Land amusement park. I would like to get this music again as my father gave the 45 to wes when he came for a visit.

  34. I worked the downstairs bar at the Golden Pheasant in the late 1960’s and early 70’s. The Riddles played there just about every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for years. Sometimes taking a week or two to play other venues including next door at the Corporation. The Coffee Break was off the alley downtown Elmhurst upstairs from Plass Applainces, I don’t remember if it was American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus or what. To much comotion for downtown Elmhurst and they moved to Lake Street where the Country Kitchen is now. Another fact regarding the Golden Pheasant – Rick Philbin one time road manager of REO Speedwagon also worked the Pheasant in the 1970’s. Rick would always stop back at the Pheasant to see Steve Mack when he was in town. This was the best bar band in Northern Illinois for years. You couldn’t get in the Pheasant most of the time – the Elmhurst Fire Department would run surprise inspections all the time for over crowding. Good Times, Good People All.

  35. I was taking clarinet lessions from Gillman in 1958 when it was a one man operation. In 1964 I picked up the guitar and took a few lessons for Rick Harper and Russ Rickman. I recall the Riddles once played at a amusment park called adventureland did James Browns papa’s got a brand new bag.I recall Rick being very worried and many were about the draft.

    I would sit in one of the tiny lesson rooms and Rick would show me a few guitar licks and I would go home and pick things off the records and come back and Rick would play a guitar chord part while I would fit in my licks and he said he liked the idea that I would take it upon myself to put effort into learning .I asked Rick if he could just teach me licks since I had the chord part down so he agreed and we did not use music lesson books but he did write down licks on blank sheet music paper and made the notes look like they were perfection.

    I can still see the old store and what Roselle looked like so many years ago. The dark spot , the new place the Cellar

  36. I took a few lessons from him when he first began to work in Roselle School of Music around 1965. See if he recalls playing at a place called Adventureland which was just a few miles east or Roselle.

    He and Russ Rickman used to make fun of my long hair , said it looked like Jesus Christ.

    I picked up guitar in 1964 and had a red burst Harmony Rocket bought new from Gillman.

    I already had chords down and asked Rick if he would just teach me licks so I could get a handle on that so he would show me a few and wrote them down and I would come back the next week and he would lay down some chords so I could try out my new learned licks he showed me and some I got off records by ear. We didn’t have anything like tabs way back then it was all by ear and scratching records. I didn’t want to go by the music books they had and he agreed.

    The tiny lesson rooms and all the coke bottles in the hall. One small wall with few guitars and a few amps packed as stock into the tiny lesson rooms. Before that it was just Gillman and he taught just about everything but guitar.

    William

    1. Whoa, William. I thought you were describing me for a minute there! Lived in Schaumburg when it was truly just cornfields. Took lessons from Rick at about the same time, same place, and on a dark red Harmony Silhouette that I bought there, and a Silvertone 1484 Twin-Twelve, from, of course, Sears. Rick, God bless him, started a fire in me. I’m currently holding 21 guitars, though sadly the Harmony has been gone for over 50 years. And it was one of the very few I’ve seen without the “tremolo” bar. Haven’t counted amps lately. Don’t think I want to! Thanks for getting me started, Rick! Still wish you would have let me play left-handed though.

      1. Steve . I lived in Sunset Hills which was between Schaumburg and Roselle. Most times I would just walk there . Most of that area was just cornfields Sunset Hills was farmland sold to people to build homes. I used to take a short cut around Turners pond.

        I can still remember what it looked like in the original Roselle School of Music. I had a red sunburst Harmony Rocket with 3 pickups and the huge selector switch.

        I even remember when Lyle Gillman opened the new store , went there a few times and was looking for a Fender Telecaster. He had one in the basement an old late 50’s model and as always he gave me a deal on anything I bought.

        I moved from IL in 1976 by then it had really changed. Rick was indeed a great player as well as teacher. I used to go to the Cellar and Dark Spot all the time , there were other places like them only further away. I remember the Band Saturdays Children was a big draw at the Cellar and Dark Spot

        I also had a Silver Tone Twin Twelve than a 60’s Bandmaster that I bought from Lyle . Roselle was at the time the only real town and it was not very big .

        You probably when to Palatine high school then later they opened Conant.

        It all seems so very long ago and it is. Great times though . lot’s of great bands in that area and lots of great clubs.

  37. Hi Phil
    Do you happen to know on which songs by Kenny Rogers Rick Harper played (lead) guitar? The only song I can think of is ‘Making music for money’ on The Gambler album from 1978. (Unfortunately there are no track-by-track credits.) Many thanks for your reply.

    Greetings from the Netherlands
    Paul Swier

  38. Hi Phil. I think I forgot to mention something. I was actually referring to the albums by Kenny Rogers on which Rick played guitar.
    Paul

  39. Do you remember Joe Restivo? Singer? Song writer and Comedian? He was a Willowbrook Graduate. I stumbled on his performance many many years ago at a place called the Laugh Stop in Orange County California. He lives in the Los Angeles area I presume. It was really nice to see a former Willowbrook Alum up on stage. Glad you are keeping this site up and running. I just met with some Alums at a Portillos in Buena Park,California this past Sunday. What a great bunch of young people from classes of 66,(that’s me), 68,69 bs 70~ Check out John Prusa @ SurfCitySanta.com. He is a registered Santa! Also Dave Wolinski is a fine musician who also is in the Los Angeles area. Willowbrook Alums have made an impression on the Music and Comedy showbiz communities of California!

  40. How dare you say that about my father. He’s dead. Your the one who”s shady. He’s may have had his ups and downs, but i loved him. I’ve never forgotten sweet and wonder he was. .Think before you speak. Some friend you are. Everyone loved my dad. brian use you brain.

    1. Casey, I saw your post and I get why your mad. I have been married to Rick Harpers sister since 1965. I knew your Dad and he was not only a fantastic singer he was a really good guy. It’s to bad you never got to see them play in person becase they were really really good and your father was a key person in the group.

  41. Hello Ron,
    I’m not sure if I was alive when Dad was in the band or if you remember me. I wanted to ask you , is there any way you could send some music. I never heard it. My family never talked about Dad after his death and i never stopped. I wish i could his his music to play to my boys. I know they would love it . It would mean the world to me. Thank you so much. You can call me @ 530-887-1318.

    Peace and love, Casey

  42. Casey, I am the guy your dad replaced when I got called to Vietnam in the late 60’s
    Great guy. I have an original Mercury 45 of “Sweets for my Sweet” with “It’s one thing to Say” on the flip side.
    You are welcome to have it. I am in now in the Geneva, Illinois area so give me a shout. Deesimm@comcast.net

  43. Hi-Just wanted to reply to this-I knew Rick Harper back in the mid 60’s, my dad Charles Schefer was-and still is-best friends with Lisle Gillman, in fact, Lisle was best man at my dads wedding. My dad also did some teaching at Roselle School of Music. I remember times having dinner at Lisle’s house and Rick would be there and I would always sit on his lap. Rick gave both me and my sister, Donna, guitar lessons, but I had to stop after a couple of weeks because I got too many callouses on my fingers, but my sister stuck with it awhile longer. Lisle also gave us a copy of their 45 with Sweets for my Sweet and It’s One Thing To Say-which unfortunately got misplaced over the years. I was really excited when I found It’s One Thing to Say on Youtube-I forwarded it to my dad and he was thrilled to see it-we spent our whole conversation talking about Rick, Lisle, Roselle School of Music and all that-tho I was only maybe 8 or 9 when I met him obviously they left a big impact on me to still remember all these years later. So if you see Rick-tell him Debbie and Donna Schefer and Charles Schefer all say Hi-not that he would remember us-but this brought back a lot of good memories,
    Debbie (Schefer) Lange

  44. Hello Casey, I just read your comment. If you can send me your address, I can send you some music and pics. Send it to my E-mail. We remember you and your brother as we called him little Lee. You were just babies. Your Dad was a good friend. Ron

    ronmar221b@aol.com

  45. Dear Dan,
    I’m hoping that you are “Shorty” who I remember so well when I was in high school. I’ve been looking for you and Jay for 15 years or so.Everything that you mentioned in this blog we did together at one time or another. The band I managed – THE HENCHMEN (this was the 60’s) also played both at The Hut, and The Dark Side. I remember the Riddles well in addition to the melody to Sweets For My Sweet. The lyrics are a bit fuzzy beyond …..sugar for my honey……
    Maine West High School (my last resort) told me you had passed away 5/11/69.
    WOULD YOU OR SOMEONE LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE. !!
    If you know Dan Cordts, Jay Rouphas, or John Marinello from Maine West, would you help me find them.
    WHO EVER SAID “THEESE” WERE THE GOOD OLD DAYS !!!
    Regards,
    Gordon T. Gray
    President Gray Matter Associates

  46. i played at the dark spot and our band was
    called the emanones. was wondering if any one
    would have a list of all the bands that played
    at the dark spot.thanks
    tom

    1. Hi Tom. I played there a lot with the Odds and Endz. Mel Perry was the owner of the Dark Spot and he managed our group. We were pretty much the house band and Mel had us there all the time. Others were the Riddles and the Shady Daze.

      Larry Brown

  47. Dear Dan,
    I failed to leave an email address when I left my comments, so pleased to hear from you.
    ARE YOU THE DAN CORDTS I”VE BEEN LOOKING FOR FOR SO MANY YEARS? I REFUSE TO BELIVE THAT THE SURVIVOR I KNEW COULD HAVE PASSED FOR ANY REASON !!!!!!!
    PLEASE EMAIL ME WHEN YOU CAN graymelange@yahoo.com

  48. I downloaded a video clip with the song, Sweets For My Sweets, which I bought in the mid 60s. I went through it and removed the most obvious. If you’d like it and the B side sent, email me at delanglois@comcast.net and I’d be happy yo send. I have looked for several years that song and at one point, thought I had found it but it turned out to the a different version of the Searchers.

  49. I got called by Lyle Gillman several times to fill in on bass for the Riddles when their bass player was out. Those were some pretty great days. I remember Rick and Ron well. Ron and I loved getting the groove together on many songs. Rick did the best version of Oh Carol that was ever done. I worked primarily with my group The Randells with Glenn Kroske and Mike Camacho. Rick and the Riddles were a great group. Lyle was quite a manager for them and helped them develop a terrific image for that time. Boy! Remember those days at the Mouse Trap in Vernon Hills/Mundelein? It would be great to have the music scene be back like it was in those days. It was just plain fun!

    Pat

  50. Hi, was John Weaver, from Lombard, ever in the band? He was killed in Vietnam. I thought he was the keyboard player at one point. Thanks

  51. HI! I’m a niece of Lyle Gillman’s and I’m trying to put together a digital picture frame pre-loaded with pics from our family and his musical career. Would you happen to have any pictures with the Riddles and with Lyle? I know we used to have some and the 45’s but have no clue where there are today. I remember my grandmother loved Ricky – she always said he was her favorite. Thanks!!!!

  52. Rob,

    I was in a band at Glenbard East that ”battled” the band that John Weaver was in many times! (And they were very good, too.) Our band was called Hot Fudge (and we won quite often) and I, too, was a keyboard player – of sorts. Mostly a rhythm guitarist (Vox Phantom 12-string).

    I do remember hearing that John was killed in Nam but I never heard of him being in the Riddles. Not that it means anything because I was not into the Lombard crowd – I was from Glendale Hts. (the ”bussed” students). Our guitarist, Patrick Lavin, was the only guy from Lombard – when we were 5-piece.

    I do know that Lee Adams married a lead singer that sang in one of the bands that I was in. She and her brother lived on Glen Ellyn Road just outside the Glendale Hts. village limits near Armitage. I cannot for the life of me remember their names but they were both dark haired and never seemed to wear shoes. And her brother played guitar in the band – a baby blue Fender Mustang, I think.

    Anyway, with my terrible memory that’s all I can recall without some other prompting from past stuff. Sometimes it comes back to me – most times, not.

    1. Hey Doktor……I can attest to Hot Fudge winning many a battle of the bands, ……I remember your bass player, Joe, borrowing my Dual Showman cab a few times….

  53. Ron,
    Hell of a ride!!For all to read, Ron is right. Lee and I lived in an apartment that we rented from the Hintz. We shared alot of things about life one being Music. Lee did go to Elmhurst college for awhile. Rick is one of the best guitar player along with great showmanship.The four Riddle members really fit well. Lee was a great friend at that time in my life. SOME GREAT TIMES… MY FORVITE PLACE WAS THE CB CLUB (Coffee Break). Ron, I’m living in Wyoming training horses on my horse ranch. Still play music around the camp fire and living life to the fullest.
    Peewee

  54. I don’t know you but I did know your Dad amd Mom. Your Dad and I lived together in an apartment we rented from the Hintz in ElmHurst. Know this.. we all go thru whatever including myself… remember we are all just passing thru and learning as we move thru life. Your Dad was a great person in and out… He was also a great musican…Your Dad was good man… believe me…
    Later, Peewee (Armand Villareal)

  55. John was a member of The Riddles for a short time. I remember he attended the wedding reception of my sister to Rick Harper. John was killed in Vietnam in 1971. He was one year ahead of me at Glenbard East.

  56. Wow! found this site and it was a great to hear from all the ole school gang! I used to walk past the Roselle School of Music everyday when going to school. Rick Harper would be there teaching the kids. We became friends back then. Used to go to the ‘Coffee Break’in Elmhurst to see them play every weekend. All of the bands were great people. Loved them! Dated Steve Mabie for a bit. He was in Elmhurst college then. Had so much fun. I bumped into Rick’s ex-wife in the late 80’s. She said Rick was playing tennis in Tennessee when a producer approached him to audition for Kenny Rodgers band the next day. The rest is history. He remarried and has a daughter. I used to promote the Riddles back in the late 60’s when they played in Elgin clubs quite often. How great to know that some made it to the big leagues. These are forever wonderful memories that I wish my grandkids could have today! But the world has changed so much. So sad, isn’t it?

  57. I also took guitar lessons from Rick when I was in The Corals. we got to open once for them at the old amusement park in Bloomingdale, IL, called Adventureland on U. S. Rte 20 right by Medinah Golf Course. It’s gone now, but that night was really cool! He lived for a time just across the street from my cousins in Addison.

  58. I took lessons from Rick Harper at Roselle School of Music beginning in 1962 at the original location. I also worked at the store around 1966 – 1969. In 1969, I moved to the SF Bay Area and worked backstage at Circle Star Theatre in the 70’s, Kenny Rogers came to the theatre while I was there and it was great joy walking into Rick’s dressing room and recoonnecting with him, since he probably hadn’t seen me since I was 11 or 12. He was very nice, and we had several conversations over the 2 – 3 days of their run. By the way, a few years back I picked up Windham Hill CD called Sounds of Wood and Steel with Rick including a song with Kenny Rogers.

    Ron, I remember you well and had several friends that took drum lessons from you, so I know you had students. I have not seen anything in the postings about your role as Fluffy the Magician on the Kiddie show! I remember that as my favorite part, and always the hot topic at the music store. Why hasn’t anyone brought that up?

    1. Grant, I think I remember seeing you play at Teen Night at the Methodist Church in Roselle. I took lessons from Rick also and was a friend of Dale Z. who was in a band called Cherrybrook Island Revisited.

      1. Hi Fred, yes Teen Night was great fun. I can’t spell Dale Z’s last name, (something like, Zaichek). By the way, Lyle Gillman, or Roselle School of Music passed away recently.

        I am living in Eugene, Oregon now, writing songs, and hanging around with other gray haired musicians. I released an album in 1985, (Grant Baldwin, Those People) and working on new stuff, now that my kids are out of the house and I can focus on music.

  59. So I am just a tone deaf consumer of bands from a long time ago and a place far far away. I loved the Riddles and so them every time they played at the CB. I loved the CB even when it started on Sp[ring Road and had Hootananyies ( how horrid was that) Looking for info on the CB when I came across this site. CB went from Spring Road to York Street to Lake Street. Back then out in the boonies where the riff raff could not bother anyone. Great Fun. All that stuff out northwest was like another world. I came from Elmhurst and Itasca out where the cows were then. Remember the Mousetrapeast of the CB on Lake Street? Greaser city. Loved the Riddles. Time flies.

  60. This site brought back so many memories, good and tearful. I was best friends with Rhoda Hintz, Ross and Richards sister. I also dated Wes Dobson. A truly great guy. Those were some of the nicest memories. How times have changed. I have a 35 year old son , a 15 year career soldier, and 2 wonderful little grandsons. They will never get to know the fun that we all had at the CB. or hear the great music that the Riddles put out live for all of us to enjoy. We were all so fortunate to grow up then.

    I was so sad to hear of Lee”s passing. I moved to Arizona for my mothers health in the late 60”s and lost touch with so many friends. Thanks for giving me back these amazing memories and a trip back to a time of love, fun and great music.

    PS: I got to see Rick play with Kenny Rogers at the Phoenix Colliseum, many many years ago.

  61. This is way to cool. I spent my life at the CB. It started out on Spring Road in Elmhurst (and had a Hoot in nanny on Wednesday (so great ((sarcasm)) then did move to the alley by Plass upstairs and finally to Lake Street. If I remember right the Mousetrap a greaser joint was done the street. The Riddles were way great. If I remember right it cost a buck to get in. The highlight (which shows the paucity of my life) was helping the Riddles set up for a practice at the CB and listening to the first song. I wish I knew that they played at the Golden Pheasant I sure as hell would have been there.

  62. This is for Dee Simmons….. tried your email at Comcast……Stayed in KY after service. Saw Linda G. at HD of VP in 83 when dad passed. She Lived next door to my sister in GE. She did well.Remember the car my dad raced at Oswego …ended up with 49 trophies….. the black 57 Studebaker Golden Hawk….57 to 65..I even picked up a couple with the 66 CH….. that I rode to CB on Lake st. The G bros were bldg then(went to Union Grove with them when they had the dark blue roadster) and I think John was working on a dragster. Time flies . If you remember…and want to talk drop me a note.

    1. Gary, I do recall the cars. I still drive hotrods and see Gatto’s often. All is well so do stay in touch. deesimm@comcast.net
      Riddles and the guys were a nice part of growing up. Still talk to them from time to time

  63. My dad, Philip Metzler, Ran a Teen Age Dance Club called “The Mouse Trap” and I have a series of photos of The Riddles playing live at this venue . . . They are posted to my facebook page. If anyone is interested.

    1. Was the Mousetrap in Elmhurst? I keep telling people there was a Mouse Trap on Frontage rouad of Lake Street in Elmhurst but now one remembers it. The Coffee Break was up the stret on Lake Street. If you have pictures of the RTiddles please send them as I am not on Face Book. The Riddles are on You Tube

  64. I was looking for information on a 45 from a group called the Riddles on Quill 116 with the titles “sweets for my sweets” and “Its one thing to say” so I googled the band and titles and it led me here to this site and I learned so much about the group from so many of you that were there to see it happen. Its a great record and to know so much about it made it all the more special.

  65. Rick Harper was my guitar teacher when I was 15 or so. At that time I lived in Schaumburg and he was working at a music store in Roselle.

  66. Hello musicians and all. I remember a fellow classmate John Fumifredo (spelling?) that played in a band or two back then. I have not read all of this site yet so he may be listed already. I love rock n roll but during the sixties I was into Folk, country and bluegrass- Like Stu Ramsay, Mad River Brakemen, etc. eventually in service I played in folk groups where I was stationed in late 60s. I’m still into music and am in Colorado. Looking to hear more about my Elmhurst area musicians. Thank you so much!

    1. By 1969, Stu Ramsay was really deep into the Chicago Blues music scene, living and playing downtown Chicago. When he graduated from Elmhurst, he (as an outstanding music major) was ask to compose their graduation ceremony music. Fantastic musician!

  67. I saw the Riddles exactly once, in 1967 (probably summer) at one of the Teen Club dances at Immaculate Conception grade school on Talcott Road in Chicago. My cousins got to go to some of the local teen places like the Bat Cave, the Deep End, and the Hut, but my parents were strict and I missed out. I do remember the band being marvelous in person, and I heard “Sweets for My Sweet” a time or two on the radio. Not sure why this stuck with me, but the lead singer (Lee Adams, I assume) wore bright red pants.

  68. Loved the Riddles! I saw them many times at The Deep End in Park Ridge. My fave song is The Letter!

  69. I remember seeing the Riddles and many other bands at the CB Club on Lake Street and in Mac’s Golden Pheasant on North Avenue. Their opening warm up song was always “Shotgun” The CB Club was just a small room that was part of a store strip mall packed wall to wall with us teenagers too young to get into a adult bar. The stage was on the west wall. I also remember ‘The Rhythm Shakers, HP Lovecraft and The Bitter Ends. You can now go into the ‘Our Kitchen’ Restaurant there and go back in time to some great music and memories. There is only bad memory that will remain with me forever. During one of the intermission band breaks I was out in the front parking lot talking to a friend. I heard a loud crash on Lake Street and I saw a very young girl hit by a car that did not see her crossing from the gas station across the street. She was killed instantly. The friend that I was talking to was home on leave from the Navy and he was in uniform. He helped the police before the ambulance arrived. He came back to me with blood on his hands. It was so terrible and ironic because there was newly installed traffic lights at that intersection. They were at that time not prepared to be functional. I was told the girl went across to the gas station to make a phone call and she was returning to the CB Club. If that traffic light had been operating she would be alive and maybe contributing her good memories of music and good times like we all are doing. I will never forget that young life swept away so quickly for no good reason.

  70. I remember CB well. Went there many times to see the Riddles. One time was memorable in that I had ridden my HD along with a friend on his TRI. We had been riding most of the day and decided to go to CB. Had a good time with the Riddles and the girls so we decided to head home. As usual, traffic fast and heavy, everybody trying to leave at once. So, I found an opening and took off to get in traffic, well my friend was somewhere behind me . Eventually he caught up to where we were side by side. Low and behold here come the Elmhurst police. Got ticketed for drag racing, speeding and illegal mufflers, all because of the heavy traffic, speeds and the intersection. Still had a god time at CB

  71. Hi I’m ‘little Lee’ – my dad was Lee Adams. Yes he was a great guy, very inspirational and gone too soon. So great to hear so much love for the band! I enjoy singing too but can’t play guitar like he could! Would love to hear from some of the other band members…

    1. Hi Lee, Dee Simmons here. I’m the guy your dad replaced when I left for Vietnam. Great guy and more talented than I was. Enjoyed meeting and hanging with him before leaving the US. Recall going to his house in Elmhurst for some practice sessions. Stay well and say hello to your mother for me. I send an original 45 to her many years ago,
      Dee

  72. Loved the CB club. So many great memories there in the 60s. Sorry to say the OUR KITCHEN restaurant that has been in that building for decades is closed. The owners have retired and the property sold to Superior Ambulance across the street. No more can we be in that space, remembering the great bands we loved, while eating pancakes lol, I went to school with Rita Hintz. Knew Lee Adams and Jim Zakos through my older brother wayyyy back. Yep. Time marches on.

  73. So happy to find this site as I have so many memories of seeing the Riddles at the CB, as a teen, then later at Mack’s Golden Pheasant and the Corporation. They also performed at a nightclub in Roselle off Roselle Road but I have no memory of its name. The Riddles were super talented and popular. (I had a teen crush on Rick Harper, but never even met him.) And then there’s Lyle Gillman who gave me accordion lessons. I remember his first studio in an old house on Irving Park Road in Roselle. Later he moved his studio across the street and then to a larger one further east, but still in Roselle. Mr. Gillman also taught trumpet to my brother. Wow! So many great memories of The Riddles, Mr. Gillman, and the great times of being a teen in the 1960s.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.