ArtistInfo

Beaux Jens

Band, 1966-1968 US, Grand Ledge, Michigan
Rock

1960s garage band from Grand Ledge, MI. Bio by Rich Tupica, Lansing City Pulse Formed in March 1966, the Beaux Jens were the other side of Grand Ledge teen rock until they broke up in July 1968. The band’s original song “She Was Mine” (originally released on Sound of the Sceen) has become an underground classic after being featured on the third volume of “Back From The Grave.” The sporadic screams and haunting organ sets it apart from other cheery tunes of the times. Toby Bates, the band’s organ/coronet player, recalls the band’s humble genesis. “We didn’t know shit,” Bates said. “Tim Schram was the musical leader because he actually knew chords. At the beginning of the band we were still learning how to play. We were only 15 or 16 at the time.” However, after a rigorous practice-andshow schedule, the musicians developed into an energetic and solid live band. “I think we were pretty intense. Between Gordy Garris (bass/vocals) and Joe Panessidi (drums) we had two very energetic performers on stage,” Bates said. “We were an energetic show and very fast-paced. We didn’t fool around between songs. We were on it. Joe was a ball of fire twirling his drum sticks around, jumping up and down, laughing and smiling.” Bates said the band, like the other busy garage bands, juggled school and being local rock stars. “None of us were great students,” Bates said. “The more success we got as a band, the more we all kind of fizzled out on academics. But we had a great following at our high school. Along with our rivals, Tonto & the Renegades, we were all in the same circle. After we released the 45, we had a fan club between Grand Rapids and Flint.” The party soon ended when Garris left the band and hooked up with a Michigan guitar legend. “When we lost Gordy, our bass player, to Dick Wagner’s band, The Frost, it was the beginning of the end. We tried to replace Gordy with two people, and it still didn’t work,” Bates said. “So two months later it all fizzled out and everyone went their own directions.”

Members

	Tim Schram
	Gordy Garris voc, b
	Toby Bates

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