The Dynamics came up with a catchy dance B-side in “Clap Your Hands”. I can find very little info on the band.
The 45 was released as Athon 106 and has a RCA-Victor custom code A4KM-3283/4 indicating an early 1971 pressing, later than I expected from the sound of “Clap Your Hands”.
The original A-side, the ballad “Roses and Thunder” was written by Conrad Haidu and Emme Mulis and published by Athon in 1961. Haidu was Athon’s owner, according to Gary Baldwin of the Vynes.
Donald H. Reese wrote “Clap Your Hands”, also for Athon Music Co. BMI (I believe the spelling of Anthon on the label is a typo). Don & The Dynamics, led by Donald Reese were from Lansford, Pennsylvania.
Carl J. Wychulis produced this single. There was a Pennsylvania polka musician by that name, otherwise I can’t find any info on this producer.
Athon was located in Naperville, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago, but the publishing seems to have relocated to the small town of Carney, Michigan, north of Green Bay.
The December 15, 1962 issue of Billboard wrote “Athon Music Company, Naperville, Ill., publishers have started Athon Records. Conrad Haidu heads the operation. The Stardust Green Trio made the first single.”
incomplete Athon discography: (help with this would be appreciated)
Athon 100: Stardust Green Trio – “The Game Of Hearts” / “I’m Lonesome” (December 1962)
Athon 101: ?
Athon 102: ?
Athon 103: The Vynes – “I Might Be Free” (John Guill) / “More Each Day” (Gary Baldwin) (U4KM-2848) February 1967
Athon 104: ?
Athon 105: The Dynamics – “I’m Lonesome, So Lonesome” / “Run Away Little Girl” (A4KM-2800/1) 1971
Athon 106: The Dynamics – “Roses and Thunder” / “Clap Your Hands” (1971)
Athon 107: Beowulf – “Please Don’t Tell a Lie” (Alice Messerschmidt) / “River, Run Away” (Mulis, Haidu) (1971)
Athon 108: Beowulf – “I’ll Walk Down the Aisle (at the Wedding)” (Haidu and Mulis) / “Loves’ Beggar”
Athon 109: Monte DeGrave – “She Still Cares” / “Kiss In The Park”
Athon 110: Pink Panthers – “Livin’ Is Lovin'” / “Annie Had a Baby” (Rich Klitz – James Kerley – Floyd Kerley)
Athon # unkn – Jesse L.Cody – “Who’s That Girl” / “I Need Your Loving” – acetate recorded at Sound Studios Inc in Chicago and may have been issued on Athon – I need confirmation of this.
Thank you to Philip Powell and Max Waller for help with this discography.
The Dynamics were a band from Detroit who recorded on Big Top label. “I’m The Man,” an over the top, maybe tongue-in-cheek, macho song, popular in Pittsburgh, also performed by the Strays, a derivative of The Legends, both Pleasant Hills bands in the mid-1960’s. Flip side, “Misery,” a poor-me lament. Both good songs, 1962 – 1964.
There were dozens of groups who named themselves the Dynamics during the ’50s and ’60s.
The Athon label group came from the Chicago suburbs.
I am the Don Reese who wrote and recorded Clap Your Hands for Athon Records, Naperville, Ill. At the time, The Dynamics home base was Tamaqua, Pa. I now live in Lehighton, Pa. I have also written and recorded about 12 other songs in the late 90’s. The Dynamics continued to play until the end of 2009 throughout the Northeastern United States.
Jesse L. Cody – “Who’s That Girl” / “I Need Your Loving” has actually been issued on Athon – I only found a very small picture of the release but I think it has the catalogue no. 104.
Hope that adds to your research!
I worked with Don Reese at the Times News Newspaper in Lehighton. Our desks faced one another and we had a great repoire. He even mentioned I had good voice and to join the band.
I remember the release of Run Away little Girl and actually heard it before its release thanks to Don. Great guy and I hired him for multiple Christmas and Summer picnics I organized for the former Grants Dept Store in Lehighton.
Last I knew of Don he was Advertising Manager for The TIMES NEWS, Blakeslee Blvd. Lehighton,Pa. 18235