Tom Fortener, keyboard player for Tom and the Tempests sent me this incredible 45 and sleeve and a short bio on the group:
Tom and the Tempests were formed in 1963 by Tom Fortener. Original members were, Randy Debord, rhythm guitar and vocals, Frank Hall, lead guitar, Bill Muncy, drums, Fred Nagle, bass and Tom Fortener, piano, organ. The band was managed by Toms’ Dad, Ray Fortener.
They wrote and recorded “It’s Over Now” and “Play It Cool” in 1964. They sponsored Sunday afternoon dances at GBU hall in Dayton, Ohio. They hired disc jockeys from WING and WONE. A popular promotion there was the Battle of the Bands. In 1965, they played the New State Pavilion, New York World’s Fair in Flushing, New York. They played throughout Ohio and was considered by many the best band in the area.
Tom Fortener
This is a Rite pressing from 1964. Alco’s first two releases were by Sonny Flaharty and His Young Americans, so the Young American Productions credit on the labels of this indicate Flaharty’s involvement. Alco was owned by Arvey Webster on Springboro Ave in Dayton.
Info on Alco from 45rpmrecords.com.
I have found memories of playing (and dancing) my Sunday afternoons away at the GBU Hall in Dayton, Ohio. I was a member of an all girl band named the Chanelle’s that played in the battle of the bands there on Sunday afternoons. It was a blast. I remember Tom as he also went to my High School, Belmont, as well. He was a great guy. While our band never won 1st place we did come in 2nd once! Rock on!! Laura Mae Curry/Harmon
Great to have found this page! I remember Tom and the Tempests quite well as a leading band in Dayton in the 60s. I played in GBU Hall’s Battle of the Bands many times, and remember it fondly. Mostly populated with family members, the venue would see a dozen or more acts in a single Sunday afternoon. Our band was called Hooper Village Blackout, and we also came in second place on one occasion. Great experience!
Steve Wellmeier, Providence, RI
Hooper Village rocks!!!
I worked part time for Ray Fortner at the Tempest Club ( former GBU hall) on Linden ave. Tom and the Tempests were our house band and Ray was on site every night. The big song that was requested was ” Raise Hell and Run Naked” Donna was the hot chick that sang with band. Tucker Manta was the drummer. It was the most fun in east Dayton! Jim
This record is fantastic, both sides. I absolutely loved reading the memories posted above.