|
1965 |
Sometime in
late summer/early fall 1964, Tom Willett’s younger brother Charlie (or
“Chuck” to many) joined the Newports, and Tom and Charlie began
fronting the band together. “The Willett Brothers” brought an
amazing dynamic to the Newports. Each was an impeccably gifted singer;
and together they sang Everly Brothers, Righteous Brothers, and other
duet material flawlessly and compellingly, plus they lent their unique
style to countless R&R and R&B hits.
With the Willetts fronting the
group, the Newports popularity grew, and we began appearing more
frequently in D.C. clubs, including The Keg, The Rabbit’s Foot, The
Roundtable, The Crazy Horse, The Bayou, The Rocket Room, plus
Bethesda’s Red Fox Tavern. We also traveled some, and played a weekend
at the Kings Arms nightclub in We also
produced our most memorable records with the Willetts, including Little Heart,
which became a local hit for the band, and The
Trouble Is You -- which was picked up nationally by Laurie
Records. |
The Rocket Room, Summer 1965 |
During the summer of 1965, the
Newports played for five weeks --
Tuesdays through
Sundays, 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. nightly -- at D.C.’s famed Rocket Room
nightclub, at the corner of Photo #10 shows on stage Washington DJ Jack Alix, who spun records each night during the Newports' breaks. |
|
|
Marquee on the roof of The Rocket Room |
On stage: John Hurd (Hammond, far left), Tom Willett, Charlie Willett, Bill White (bass) |
|
|
(L to R) Blaine Smith (guitar), Tom Willett, Charlie Willett |
Closeup |
|
|
(L to R) Blaine Smith (guitar), Tom Willett, Charlie Willett, Bill White (bass) |
Closeup |
|
|
(L to R) John Hurd (Hammond), Blaine Smith (guitar), Tom Willett |
Closeup |
|
|
(L to R) Blaine Smith (guitar), Tom Willett, Charlie Willett |
Closeup |
|
|
(L to R) John Hurd (Organ), Jack Alix (DJ), Tom Willett |
Closeup |
|
|
Band barely visible in this one |
View toward the rear section of this large club, with discotheque dancer in back |
The
Newports |
Celebrating Washington, D.C.’s
Legendary Oldies Band |