The Town Criers (3)

Originally a quartet (Ron Stephenson, Ed Wing, Bill Patterson, Jim Moody), the four Atlanta, Georgia natives began performing Folk and Bluegrass at local dances and soon at colleges and clubs around Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. During their initial Folk / Bluegrass phase, the group released two singles; "Gather Them Rosebuds" and "Dog Song". Around this time, a newspaper from Alabama raved about the group being a rising talent. The group would continue performing live for a couple years, recording their first album "Live" somewhere around 1966 (although it was released a year or two later). In 1967, the group added guitarist Corky McCorkle, relegating Ron Stephenson to playing 12-String and Acoustic Guitar. David Boyce also joined on Guitar for a short period in 1967. Later that year, the group released their first full fledged Rock tracks, the single "I Walk With The Sun / She Loves Me". It was also released as "I Think Of You And Cry / She Loves Me". The single was distributed through three labels and charted locally. The band then recorded their first studio album "Souvenir Album" in 1969 and handed copies out at shows. It contained their latest singles along with originals by their producer (Hod David) and Musical Director / Producer (Skip Brooks). A switch of drummers then occurred in the same year, as Benny Joe Devine replaced Jim Moody. In 1970, The Town Criers recorded their sought after album "Let's Do It!", which was yet another live show. The album has been sampled several times and features the debut of the group's attempt at a Psychedelic sound. After this album's release, both McCorkle and Patterson left the group. Skip Brooks then joined as a full member, previously being the group's musical director and guest Keyboardist. He was also a songwriter and producer for the group. Ron Stephenson took over bass duties as Skip Brooks performed Rhythm Guitars in the studio. This lineup recorded the group's most advanced work "4". The album featured three original compositions from Skip Brooks and two King Crimson covers. The album was a departure from their previous work, containing more advanced instrumentals and complex songwriting. Details on the group after this point are murky. In 1972, the group released an album titled "The Year Of The Toad". It consisted of one side of Country Rock and another of Comedy and Poetry. This was most likely the band's last album as a foursome. The Town Criers bought and operated their own club / lounge, The Town Crier Play House sometime in the early 70's. It was there they recorded and distributed "Town Criers In Concert" in late 1972. At this point in their tenure, the only original members remaining were Ed Wing and Ron Stephenson. The group disbanded sometime later. It's possible more albums by this group exist and are undiscovered. Members: *Ron Stephenson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, 12-String Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Rhythm Guitar - 1963-197? *Ed Wing: Vocals, Lead Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo - 1963-197? Skip Brooks: Vocals, Keyboards, Organ, Rhythm Guitar, Piano - 1967-1970 (guest) 1970-1972 Benny Joe Devine: Vocals, Drums, Percussion - 1969 - 1972 *Bill Patterson: Vocals, Bass - 1963-1970 Corky McCorkle: Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Vocals - 1967-1970 *Jim Moody: Drums, Percussion, Vocals - 1963 - 1969 David Boyce: Guitar - 1967 *founding member