The ’66 Mustang in the foreground of the sleeve dates this record from no earlier than September of 1965 but from the looks of the band you’d think this was early ’60’s frat rock. So what do you get?
Most garage fans will want to pass on “Let’s Learn About Love”, the designated top side. It’s an odd pop tune, catchy in its way, though I have a hard time imagining this being a real hit. The b-side is another story. “I’m Comin’ Home to You” is tough r&b with blasting horns and a good guitar solo. Never comped before, either!
The Dixie label, located at 1020 Central Ave. in Charlotte, North Carolina, is better known for rockabilly and country releases. As far as I know, this is the only release on the label that comes close to garage.
The back cover lists the Fabulous Plaids as Ken Carpenter on guitar and vocal harmony (he wrote both songs); Denny Allen able to play alto and tenor sax “simultaneously, in complete harmony”; Jessie Smith on vocals, piano and organ; Tommy Hoover lead vocals, trumpet and “showmanship”; Jerry Vassey bass; and Mike Mallonee on drums. It also lists Hymie Williams – the latest addition – as an “old veteran of the big time bands” and that he “adds polish.”
In case you were wondering, “the attractive young lady on the cover is Miss Jayne Tatum of Winston Night Club, Charlotte.”
As the sleeve says, “What could be more rewarding to a group of young Americans than a ‘hit record!'”
HELLO , MY FATHER IS HYMIE WILLIAMS AND I FOUND THIS ON YOUR SITE , HE IS 83 YEARS OLD NOW AND I JUST LET HIM LISTEN TO THE SONGS AND HE REMEMBERS IT , HE WAS A WONDERFUL MUSICIAN IN HIS TIME .. THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS ON LINE , THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HEARD HIS MUSIC IN A LONG TIME , THANK YOU SO MUCH…JOANIE
Joanie:
Hi this is Ken Carpenter the founder of The Plaids. I came across this site and was surprise to see this old 45 in their. I would like to let you know that we continue to play until 1992 and reformed in 1995 and played until 2002, our last job was on the Charlotte square for the Taste Of Charlotte Festival. I still talk to a lot of the older musicians that remember Hymie, he was a great player and person we enjoyed a lot of conversation on some of the late night trips back to Marshville. I am in the processing of combining all of our recording into anew CD which will have four new songs on it. I am going to send our recording to this update our profile, thanks for your comments and god bless.
Ken Carpenter
Hi, I just found the site again and looked over the responses about my Dad Hymie .. Dad left us in January of 2013 . We will always remember his stories of all of his Music and who all he performed with .. My Brother Joe is just like our dad been playing music since he was 12 .. He is with a few bands in charlotte area . He is considered one of the Best Bass players around ..The new group he is with now was voted one of the best for the past 12 months >>in the latest issue if Creative Loafing , the best of issue . Look for best new band formed in past 12 months . The winner – The country band , Bill Noonan and the Hey Joe’s . My dad left a legacy of Music and we miss him dearly ..
Ken , Dad talked about you too ..He never had a bad memory at all .. He had so much to talk about when it came to music .. God Bless . Joanie
Oh Ken Carpenter – I, Betty Collins and Karen Aycock were reminiscing about you and when you played for us at the Windyrush Club in Charlotte in the 70’s. You were the greatest!! Love to you, Betty and Karen
I played with The Plaids through the 60’s and 70’s. I learned more from Ken Carpenter, the leader of the group than any person I’ve ever known.
Hymie is one of the great people in the Charlotte music scene. Hymie played with The Tempests on several recording sessions besides The Plaids.
Nelson
Hi Nelson , I remember you , he talked highly of you .. Dad left us in January of 2013 ..we miss him so much … Do you know where i can get recording of any groups my Dad performed with ? My brother Joe is a great Musician like Dad .. He plays Bass and a few other instruments ..He misses Dad so much , they talked Music almost every day and Dad was so proud .. He is with a few groups right now like our Dad was always playing with so many .. the one group he is with were in the creative loafing in charlotte >> nominated >>>n the latest issue of Creative Loafing , the best of issue . Look for best new band formed in past 12 months . The winner – is the country band , Bill Noonan and the Hey Joe’s … please conatct me if you know where i can maybe find a few recordings of my dad playing ,we do not have any.. thanks Joanie
Ken:
Hi. Hope this finds you well. This is Lewis Holton–former Plaids drummer. My mom recently came across an old picture of you, me, and Kenny Stogner at one of Jesse’s weddings (#3, I think?). It’s kind of a hoot and a glimpse into the past. If I knew how to get in touch with you, I’d send you a copy. I’m still making music, too, but a solo act now; I picked up the guitar some years back (4th CD just recently released). Living in Myrtle Beach area. If you’d like to get in touch, I’m not hard to find; Google me (as Lew Holton) and follow one of the links.
Take care,
Lew Holton
Lewis:
Nice to hear from you I often wnodered were you were. The Plaids preformed not long ago, we had some of the original guys and some from the seventy and eights members come out and set in. Still playing occasionally, doing some song writing & recording. .
I am going to check out your website and give you a shout.
Thanks for the reply Ken Carpenter
I was the orignal piano /organ/ and vocal singer – I wouldlove to here from Ken And Lewis – Im in Atlanta ga, and just finished 40 years of baseball umpiring – I still have all the keyboards, and Am ready to play if we can get to gather – let me know – Jesse “P”
I believe a friend of mine was a member of your band in the late 80s. I have lost contact with him and if you know Eli Honeycut, would you please let me know. He would have been the keyboard player and singer. He was also in a band “The Fairlanes” for several years before. He was actually in the banking field and played in the band part time. Would love to know where he is. Thanks for your help! Shirley Coffey. KY
You are correct ellison and I played together for 78 until 2002. He is still playing and i set in with him sometime. kcarpenter41@carolina.rr.com for more information.
Ken Carpenter
One of the most fun times in my life was life was when Hymie played with the band I was with had the fun of Hymie playing with us for a while. He lived in Monroe, was almost blind and was one of the best musicians I’ve ever played with. We played at a country place, barn sort of, out from Rockwell, N,C. Ravon Furr was drummer and leader of the band. I played piano and sang. I am 74 now, playing mostly gospel music . Ive written a few gospelsongs, given to me by God and I credit Him with my talent. Joanie, it is 2011 now and my beloved husband. Johnnie Tienda from Houston, Tx went to heaven in 2008. I miss him so very much. Joanie, I live in Cordele Ga would love to hear from you on my e-mail. I admired your Dad so much. He was so very talented…..wow!
Hi Amie ,i just saw this . My dad Hymie left us on January of 2013 , and we miss him dearly .. Our Mother left us in 2010 and he missed her and was ready to go to Heaven and be with her and our Lord Jesus .. My dad left so many memories with us .. I think i remember when he did perform with your group ? what was the name of it .. ? Thanks all .. He talked all the time about his life as a musician . it was his life and we loved him so much , and his talent .. Joanie
Eli is in Charlotte NC and is also on Facebook. He is a member of the facebook group “Carolina’s bands music and fans”.
Wow, I just stumbled upon this page and read this post. I would have loved to be there that night in honor of my dad Larry Cable. You know I have some old home movies of you guys but there isn’t any sound. I guess they could only afford the moving photos at that time! So glad to hear you are all still in touch. My dad passed away in 2003 but would have loved to sit in with you guys. He was still playing guitar and keyboards when he died. Hope you are all doing well! Nelson-special hello to you and your family! Haven’t seen you in awhile!
I wanted to let you all know that my Grand Dad Hymie Williams passed away earlier this year. I grew up listening to my Grand Pa practicing his music listening to Big Band and just having fun. I really miss him and I am so glad that you have posted this to your page and that he had and impact on people that we knew he did.
is this the plaids from the song half way to heaven.
My mother’s cousin Mike Malonee was drummer as noted in the info on The Plaids. I remember seeing this 45 sleeve since I was a tot. Don’t think I ever got to hear the record.
My mother’s cousin Mike Malonee was drummer as noted in the info on The Plaids. I remember seeing this 45 sleeve since I was a tot. Don’t think I ever got to hear the record.
But I’d like to.
Just saw this website. Jerry Vassey was a close friend of my husbands.
Haven’t see him in years but loved the Plaids music. My husband was Bill Giles from Charlotte. He passed away in 2008. I now live in Kernersville and am on facebook.