This Week in Brattleboro History by Joe Rivers and BAMS, et. al.
Friday, April 1, 2016
“The Trophies”
This podcast of Brattleboro history is sponsored by Brattleboro Savings & Loan, the bank of Brattleboro.
It was 52 years ago this week that the Brattleboro-based rock n roll group, “The Trophies” recorded their first record, “Walkin’ the Dog.” It became the #1 record in New England and resulted in their signing with a major record label. The Trophies had five members: Paul Oblum, Tom Howes, Richard Erikson, Wayne Harvey and Jack Dunham. In the summer of ’64 they performed here in Brattleboro at the Gibson Aiken Center on Monday nights.
According to Jack Dunham, the English Invasion was just beginning. In the spring of 1964 the Beatle’s appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show for the first time and their song “I Want To Hold Your Hand” hit number 1 across the country.
It was in this environment that the Trophies adapted the rhythm and blues song “Walkin the Dog” to the Beatles-type sound and recorded it in Boston. (play 1st cut)
With the popularity of their new hit single, the Trophies bought a used van from R.S. Roberts, had it painted to look “mod” and headed on the road to gigs in places like Saratoga, NY and Boston.
The band was signed by Kapp records and began touring the northeast, promoting their record and playing with the likes of Chubby Checker, Del Shannon, the Shirelles, Dione Warwick and Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs.
On these tours the Trophies would perform their songs and also act as the backup band for other artists. Jack Dunham says he most enjoyed backing up Chubby Checker and Del Shannon.
The Trophies stayed together for four years and then went their separate ways. In 1983 Jack and Richard reunited and formed the Solid Gold Cadillacs with other local musicians. This oldies band performed steadily into the mid 1990’s.
According to Jack Dunham, two of the five members of the Trophies have passed away…Paul Oblum and Tom Howes. Richard Erikson and Wayne Harvey live a town or two away from Brattleboro and Jack now spends his time in Florida.
It was 52 years ago this week that the Trophies recorded their hit 45, Walkin the Dog. We’d like to thank Paul Rounds, Jack Dunham and the crack BAMS galaxy team for the research and ______________ for reading this week in Brattleboro History.
Play 2nd cut
