A group of teens from the town of Wilson, east of Raleigh, North Carolina, recorded this raver at Sound City studios in nearby Bailey.
“Moon, Send My Baby” was written by J. Hodges, and the flip, a 50’s type pop number called “Dream” (written by M. Holland). It was released on the Kix label in 1971.
I didn’t know who was in the group until Phillip Bunn commented below:
The first line-up consisted of guitarist Earl Daniels, drummer Bruce Pittman, bassist Billy Bradshaw, keyboards – Johnny Allen and lead singer J.A. Cooper. The last line-up consisted of guitarist Bobby Denton, guitarist Phil Bunn, bassist Charlie Williams, keyboards – Johnny Allen, drummers – Jimmy Renfrow, later replaced by Danny Hayes.
Phillip also wrote that original guitarist Earl Daniels died of cancer in the early ’70s.
Update, April 2018:
Johnny Corbett sent in the photo and business card and wrote:
This is the last line up in The Challengers Band from Wilson, N.C. The members were J.A.Cooper, the original singer; Johnny Corbett, lead guitarist; Steve Odom, drummer; Tommy Balance, bassist; Gail Daniel, keyboards; Randy Boykin, rhythm guitarist.
The band was active until 1976, Wilma Daniel was the manager & did bookings along with Joe Steinbach who was a local DJ and music store owner.
The dead wax reads PRP 25571/2, from Precision Record Press. After consulting with matrix guru Mop Top, I can tell you this was pressed in April of 1971!
Late indeed, but it’s still ‘garage’ to my ears.
I played with the Challengers, and it was recorded around April of 1971. The fellow who played the guitar rift was Earl Daniels, who died of cancer less two years later.
Hi, I am greatly interested by your gear, specially the one you had to record “the rampage” can you describe what do you use to have this unique sound please?
I am married to Challengers of Wilson guitarist Earl’s sister, Joyce (Shorty) and we have many copies of this in our archives, though I much prefer the flip side. Earl passed away just before I met Joyce. The band was managed by my late Mother-in-law, Wilma Daniel of Wilson, NC and continued for some years after Earl’s death, later including his youngest sister, Gail.
Dave Fulton
Charlotte, NC
The band did continue,with new members & one original member J.A. Cooper singer, Gail Daniel was keyboard player,I was one of two guitarist.
Hi, I am greatly interested by your gear, specially the one you had to record “the rampage” can you describe what do you use to have this unique sound please?
The Challengers went through several personal changes. The first line-up consisted of Guitarist-Earl Daniels; drummer-Bruce Pittman; Bassist-Billy Bradshaw; keyboards- Johnny Allen and lead singer-J.A. Cooper; the last line-up consisted of guitarist- Bobby Denton; guitarist, Phil Bunn; bassist-Charlie Williams; keyboards-Johnny Allen; drummers-Jimmy Renfrow, later replaced by Danny Hayes.
I wonder if the B side author could be this Malcolm Holland?
https://www.discogs.com/artist/2344836-Malcolm-Holland