The Torquays
The Torquays were a rock band formed in 1963 by 14-year-olds Dale Aston and Wendell Colbert, sons of U. S. Steel employees who taught themselves to play guitar and bass. They group was named after a Venture's hit referencing Torquay, England. After going through several early combinations, trumpeter Barry Bicknell, drummer Eugene Hayes and saxophonist Steve Salord settled in as regular members. Short-time members included Eddie Rice and Gary Quattlebaum.
The group's first single, "While I'm Away"/"Pinapple Moon" was recorded at Muscle Shoals' Fame Studios for Holly Records and found success on Birmingham-area radio. They followed up with "You're The One Who Loves Me", recorded by Roland James' Sonic Sound studio in Memphis, Tennessee and released on Ara Records. The group also spent time at Birmingham's Boutwell Studios.
After several years of regular touring at dances, parties and corporate events, the band split up in 1968, with most of its members going on to college. Aston and Salord went on to join The Distortions.
External links
- The Torquays at garagehangover.com
- The Torquays at Birmingham Rewound