The Versatiles

The Versatiles were from Mobile, Alabama. They played at The Happening and the Stork Club, among other venues. Members were:

Daryl Huffman – lead guitar, keyboards
Jerry Smith – guitar
David Smith – bass
P.J. Johnston – drums

Darryl Huffman’s distorted tone and wailing lead distinguishes the top side of their first record, “Cyclothymia”. The title refers to a mild form of manic-depression, with lyrics to match.

If released as I’ve read in September 1967, then it was a heavy sound for its time. Of the four songs they released, this was the only one written by the group. The flip is a cover of Brian Wilson’s “Farmers Daughter”.

One unusual aspect about the band is that there seems to be no real lead singer, as they sing all four songs from their singles in unison, both verse and chorus.

Their second 45 on Rickarby, “Somethin’ Like A Man” starts out like “Cyclothymia” with intense drumming and riffing. Huffman plays leads behind the verses, while the lyrics (excerpted below) could be described as anti-war, but seem to me to be more ambiguous:

What is a man?
Does he knows what’s happening when he sees,
The world and all its atrocities?
Yes he does.
Now ain’t that something like a man?
He only does what he has to, when he can.

What does he do when the world is tilting right?
Picks up his gun and he runs to join the fight.
Does he know which side he’s fighting for,
Or is it just an excuse to join the war?
Don’t you agree that he’s something like a man?

Does he know just what to say?
Does he get down on his knees and pray?
Is he aware of the life that he’ll have to take,
To protect his home for his family’s sake?
Yes he is.
Now ain’t that something like a man?
He only does what he has to, when he can.

“Warm In The Rain” has a lighter sound, with ringing guitar notes. Both of the songs on their second 45 were written by Clarence Previto (Tony Previto).

5 thoughts on “The Versatiles”

  1. Funny after 42 years I found this site.I knew Darrell and the band.Before Darryl the band was Jerry and the versitles.Marvin,his wife Clara and son Roy Broadus were the owners.Roy and I were bouncers there in 1968 and 69.The Broadus’s home was on hwy 90 across the street from the Shady banks hotel whore house.Look it up it’s on the internet.I was close to the family.I had a fake Dr Lic from Missippi no picture required and access was easy.In 1968 I was 17 years old born in 1951.To the best of my memory I think Darryl or Jerry had something to do with writting Skynner’s song Sweet Home Alabama?I think one did but didn’t get credit for it as best I can remember.The Stork club was my as Springsteen would say, Glory Days!!Anyone wanting to contact me,welcome.
    Thanks,Gene

  2. I was in a group formed with Andy Romanstine as lead just after he left the Ramblers. We played around Birmingham and Did “Dukes of Dixieland” at the Ensley armory a couple times. Played a few gigs at frat parties at both UA and Aub. Bubbba Latham was with us for a short time and we were his first group. The military got me and soon after the drummer and bass player. We never did any original tunes so no recordings, kind of wish we did.

    I enjoyed this page and wonder why no mention of the ‘Tiki’s’.

  3. I first met Daryl, PJ and guy named Jerry at a house on Sage Ave. I thought Daryl was a hell of a guitar player then. Frank Enos took me over there. I was a want-ta -be guitar. Jerry Smith down the street from me on Florida St. sure would like to catch up. I fell into the blues and have not been able to get out

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