Tony Bowens & The Soul-Choppers

One of the most popular bands in Hartford, Connecticut. Bertha Lee ``Glass'' Bowens, Tony's mother, managed the Soul-Choppers band formed in 1967 around Tony. In 1968 they won amateur night at The Apollo Theatre in NYC. Leader Tony played sax. Lt. Tony Bowens was killed in Vietnam in 1970. On rhythm guitar was his brother Lonnie (Skip) Bowens. Bob Wittig played trumpet. Guitarist was Eli. Eli is originally from Savannah, GA. After his move to Hartford in 1967 Eli played with, "Tony Bowens and the Soul Choppers". Eli was the only black guitarist in Hartford playing in a 'punk' band, "The Repels". Later known as XY Eli. Rob Fried was the drummer. Another member was Sharon Clay Watson, who had already recorded with the Daydreams, a female singing group she had formed.