Pastels

Formed during 1961 in Battle Creek, Michigan, this edition of the Pastels constituted just one among no fewer than three garage groups operating under the identical name. Veteran of the Detroit club circuit, singer Carl Parker assembled the lineup by recruiting guitarist Don Rogers, bassist Carl Chapman, and drummer Dan Bendward—all previously active together in the Del Keys—plus ex-Nite Rocks keyboardist Dick Dudley. The Pastels rapidly established themselves as fixtures across the southwestern Michigan circuit, although Parker’s subsequent solo agreement with Decca placed the band’s future in question. A discussion with Chapman on www.60sgaragebands.com recounts that the remaining members brought in vocalist Jim Eastwood and soon installed Bob Pridgion on drums in place of Bendward. Steady live work continued until 1964, when Rogers exited to accompany local soul phenom Jackey Beavers and Eastwood relocated to Nashville in pursuit of songwriting opportunities. Chapman then assembled an entirely new Pastels roster that included singer Bobby Dee, guitarist Benny Cook, keyboardist John Anglin, and drummer Terry Mallard. In June 1966 the group traveled to Cap Studios in nearby Portage, Michigan, to cut its sole single, “‘Cause I Love You,” which appeared on the Phalanx label; the B-side, “Don’t Ya Know,” registered as a regional hit. The musicians maintained a Midwest touring schedule throughout 1967, supporting bills that featured Mitch Ryder and the Newbeats, yet never secured wider attention beyond the Battle Creek vicinity. Although Chapman, the last founding member, departed the Pastels in 1968, assorted lineups persisted on the road until 1972.