The Blue Dells “Trust Me” on Starfire Records


The Blue Dells: Lester Long (at top holding sax), Doyle Smith (center), Bill Maloney (at left with guitar), Bill Hamilton (right with bass), and Larry Reynolds (at bottom with drum sticks).
The Blue Dells were from Cincinnati but recorded this 45 at Ray Allen’s studio in Louisville, Kentucky. The publishing was through Shad O’Shea’s Counterpart Music in Cincinnati.

“Trust Me” is cool moody garage-rock with horns that don’t intrude.

The flip, “Everything for You” is a more typical ballad, and was written by D.B. Doyle and Lester Long. Writing credits on “Trust Me” are D.B. Smith – two D.B.s in one band? No, it turns out that is a misprint.

I didn’t know anything about the band until commentors below filled me in. One of these is the Blue Dells’ drummer Larry Reynolds, who sent in the photo above. I’ll repeat his comment here:

Band members [were] Larry Reynolds drummer, Bill Maloney lead guitar/singer, Doyle B. Smith organ/lead singer, Bill Hamilton bass guitar/ backup singer, Lester Long saxophone/backup singer. The band joined together in 1965 and broke up in 1969. We played at the Starfire Lounge for over two and a half years, Mustang Room, Tiki Lounge, and all over Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana. The band appeared on several record hop type TV shows in Cincinnati and Dayton to promote our record.

Thank you to Larry for responding to my request for a photo of the band.

13 thoughts on “The Blue Dells “Trust Me” on Starfire Records”

  1. Love your site! The Blue Dells were from Cincinnati & played at The Starfire Lounge…ala Starfire Records. Great bunch of guys & I love the record..have several of the 45’s somewhere! Can you upload the “B” side, Everything For You? Secret…D. B. Smith & D. B. Doyle are the same person (really) & Les Long is a separate person 🙂

  2. blue dells band members Larry Reynolds drummer, Bill Maloney lead guitar/singer, Doyle B. Smith organ/lead singer, Bill Hamilton bass guitar/ backup singer,Lester Long saxophone/backup singer. the band joined together in 1965 and broke up in 1969. we played at the starfire lounge for over two and a half years, mustang room, tiki lounge, and all over Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky,and southeastern Indiana. The band appeared on several record hop type tv shows in Cincinnati and Daton to promote our record

    1. Larry,
      You probably don’t remember me….gee, it’s only been 47 years! But, I worked with Bill’s sister, Mary & was a friend of Les’. I used to come to Starfire & The Mustang Room all the time. Ann & Bill sent me the photo that is posted & I have been looking for it forever so I could send it to Chris to post! I was so happy to see it….a lot of good memories. I hope you are well…thanks so much for the photos.
      Nancy

  3. My grandpa is Bill Maloney aka Dubby. He can still tear up the guitar. We sit and sing for hours to all the 60’s music he has taught me to love. I made the song on side B – ‘Everything thing for you’ the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding. I’m so proud to have him as my grandpa. He has taught me a lot and is still always there for me. I call him everyday (literally) to tell him I love him so much! 🙂 he even wrote a song for me 🙂 I’m so blessed to have him in my life!! I love you Papaw!!!

    1. Amanda,
      You have to be the best granddaughter in the world. Your post brought tears to my eyes. It’s wonderful. I know that you will always stay sweet. My best to you throughout your life.
      Nancy

    2. Hey Amanda,

      I’m trying to reach you father Bill about his music. Is there a contact you might be able to share. Glad to hear you guys are so close and you appreciate his music so much. Thanks a lot!

      1. Sadly my grandpa Bill Maloney passed away January 15th 2020. I miss him everyday!! But I find comfort in knowing he is with the love of his life Judy Maloney. Married 51 years. He was never the same after she passed. Happy they are together again and with our Lord .🦋🦋😇😇 i sure do miss our talks everyday but he visits me often in my dreams. I love when he does that!! 🥰🙏🏻

  4. My father, Dick Howell, a friend of Larry Reynolds is trying to get in touch with Larry. His cell phone is not working. Anyone know Maureen’s # or an email.

    Thanks

  5. Just saw this ( 10-20-2014) and so great to see comments on other band members. I loved playing with this group of guys with fond memories at all the places we played especially Starfire Lounge where Ann and I celebrated our marriage. Springfield Twp police tried to stop us when leaving for our honeymoon trip that night (all in fun). Bar staff were the best with fun crowds for Friday nights and dress up Saturday nights. Remember the Go-Go dancers and contests . We played for Hamilton Ohio Police Balls and maybe the Fireman too.. Great bunch of people !! The Band had a reunion about 25 years ago and needs to get together and play some of the old Motown . Best to all…Bill Hamilton (whamiltonviii@gmail.com)

  6. I’m Bob Gibson, I played guitar with Larry and The Blue Dells from 1964 to 1965. We played a lot of jobs for that year and a half, Larry was a great gig booker. We had a lot of fun . It looks to me from this web posting like Larry really did well after we split up. Great job Larry, you were always a go getter. I hope your doing well. Bob

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