The Rockin' Whalers

Roland Bennett and The Rockin’ Whalers were an African-American r&b band from Topeka, Kansas, active in the 1950s through the early 1980s. Formed by Roland Bennett who served as bandleader and saxophonist of the group, the principal personnel was Roland’s younger brother Dick Bennett (also known as ‘Sweet Root’ or ‘Daddy Sweet Root’) on vocals, harmonica, and bass; and Topeka natives James Ellis, electric guitar; Thomas ‘Eyes’ Hagan, piano; and Herbert Shufford, drums. Roland Bennett and the Rockin’ Whalers was a typical r&b band of the day. All the members of the band played instruments in high school and decided to get together and form a band in their spare time. The group started around 1951 and played a hybrid form of musical styles that were popular at the time, drawing from the blues, boogie woogie, swing and dancehall traditions, also gospel music. As the 1950s advanced, they utilized the rock ’n’ roll beat popularized by Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Fats Domino. The band began their musical journey playing local gigs at high school dances, local clubs, community social events, and neighborhood gatherings in and around Topeka. In 1960, the band recorded their first 45, "Money Crazy" / "Ain't Gonna Tell You" on Shelley Records in Long Island, NY. "Sweet Root" did vocals on the A-Side with Hagan on vocals on the flip. In 1963, the group recorded the songs "Tore Up" and "Little Wheel" for a 45 for the Vantage label out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Another single in partnership with the group The Del-Rayes was released later on Central Records out of Kansas City.