By DanS (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Thursday, April 25, 2002 - 05:50 pm:

DeAnne, Ihave a great picture of Terry and the Topics that was taken in 1965 when we were playing the Grandale before we went to the Last Chance in Dearborn. Tere is Billy ,Vic,me and George (Terry)
It was taken at some studio in Hamtramck.
Do you remember when my made in california "BOSS BASS" amp blew up and we came over to your place on the east side?
DanS

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 04:51 am:

Dan....can you upload the picture? I would love to see it. I don't remember your bass blowing up, please remind me of the story. Something sounds framiliar...but I can't remember the details.

By dans (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 11:57 am:

DeAnne, I will try to find someone with a scanner to see if we can load it as webtv can`t. The amp blew up on New Years Eve at the Side Door and Steve Bogdan was filling in for me. Brenda lee was in town and her electric piano failed at the Roostertail too. The only repairman was on E.Warren and he fixed both of our stuff the same day so we could work that nite. Dan

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, April 27, 2002 - 02:26 pm:

That had to be 1968. We had to have over 60 musicians come through that band at one point or another. I think we were the only band ever during that time that subs would show up to play that night. We had horn charts so some of these crazy horn players would just send in a sub without telling us. We would be in the dressing room, and some sax player would walk in and say that he was playing for so and so. We would all start laughing because that's not the way rock and roll bands worked at that time. A couple of the subs ended up in the band...they were all great players!! The Topics were a colorful group. I still have some tapes of the eight piece group that I will bring in September. Do you ever play anymore???

By DanS (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, April 27, 2002 - 06:16 pm:

I hung it all up in 1980.I remember th side door and the GREAT sound that we made. I think that was the most enjoyable group I ever worked with. Everyone just clicked and knew what the other guy was going to do. It`s times like this I regret hanging it up but life has been good too.

By Deanne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, May 04, 2002 - 09:50 pm:

Danny, can you get in touch with any of the other members of the group? Like maybe Ron Truski? I would love to see them in Sept.

By Dans (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 04:36 pm:

DeAnne, The other members that I played with were: Al Watson--sax, Leo ?? trumpet, Don?? -keyboard,organ and Billy ,Vic, and Terry. I don`t have any contact with any other musicians from that era. George K, Guy Gillis, and Denny Cox are the only ones I know still around . There is a group out of Milford that has a few oldtimers that remember the old days but I don`t have there names

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 04:38 am:

I don't know what happened to Al Watson...someone told me that Vic passed away...I don't know if that is fact. Leo Rea...I don't know where he is today...and Don, (like you) I can't remember his last name. You know that we played for over ten years at the Townehouse..and so many people loved the band..and we were good players...but it goes unnoticed because we did not have original material...we were just a cover band...but during the 60's we were the best cover band. too busy working to really get it together. It's okay...we made a lot of people happy with our music night after night.. and maybe that's what is about. Looking forward to seeing you in Sept.

By George Katsakis (64.12.102.38 - 64.12.102.38) on Friday, May 10, 2002 - 05:31 am:

DeAnne,

I know how to get a hold of Leo Rea, I see him once in a while and we even did a few big band gigs together. I suppose you know not only does he play trumpet but he also plays bass. I will direct his attention to the forum the next time I see him. Still waiting for Sept. 6th.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, May 11, 2002 - 05:11 pm:

Yes, I knew about the bass...we started a group together once...it was a five peice group and we worked the Westland Bar for Sam Halim. I believe that was 1970. Please tell him about September 6th, and maybe he will stop by. Have lots of people been coming to see you??

By George Katsakis (152.163.201.84 - 152.163.201.84) on Monday, May 20, 2002 - 02:37 am:

DeAnne,

I'm sorry it took so long to respond but I have been busy lately doing foolish things. I spoke with Leo and he is forming a group to play one night a week at Baker's Keyboard Lounge and it sounds like he has a good group together. He is going to make every effort to join us on September 6th and I invited him to bring his trumpet any time he wants. We want everybody to be in top form for your arrival.

Last night we were visited by Millie, Lee Alan, Gordon Prince, The Count, Steve Fischer, Dennis Coffey and Ed Gandolfo. Steve and Dennis both played and sounded very good. We can't wait to see you.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 03:33 am:

I am so glad that all of you are getting together. Haven't been on the forum for a while...boy you sure miss a lot. That reunion with Chris Peterson sounds wonderful. She was always the best. I remember working a Monday night at Gino's with her, and she was doing an Aretha Frankin number..that started Baby baby sweet baby..there's something more that I've got to say...anyway..they asked her what key??? She said "any key"... I've never known a singer to say "any key"...they started playing and she started singing...unbelievable...she was soooo great. I know you all had a great time on Sat. night. Can't wait for Sept. Thanks for the response...Talk to you soon.

By Millie (207.148.197.36 - 207.148.197.36) on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 07:53 pm:

Hi DeAnne!
Missed you on Saturday night, but am looking forward to seeing you on September 6th. How's Kelly doing? Gary Puckett was just in town and I thought about her..is she still seeing the drummer? (I think he was a drummer, duh)! Yes, Kris Peterson was a fantastic singer...I remember when she met Johnny Rivers at the Gay Haven and he tried to get her signed to his label...guess it didn't work out. Her mom just passed away...did you know she was a big band singer? Was pretty good from what I understand. Take care and I can't wait to see you. Hi to Eddie.

Millie

By the count (65.59.39.46 - 65.59.39.46) on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 11:51 pm:

HI DEANN, remember when we were at Dans house, YOU,George and me,and George said something about Alfredas drums,and I remember you really got mad over that and I had to go outside and starting laughing,cause I didn't want to get you ticked at me.But,it was funny. I thought George said he bought his first set from Alfreda.Glad you cleard that up for me.Even still,it was very funny seeing you get mad at George.I'll be in Vegas in July for our intro show,as usual,12th. year now,do you think you could get hold of Alfreda when I'am there? If you want me to be at the "Clawson" on the 6th.SEPT., I'll be there. See you soon DEANN. love,Steve "The Count"

By thecount (64.152.152.55 - 64.152.152.55) on Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 09:28 pm:

Deanne do you remember this picture last year at Patrick's. The place is not the same without George doing his shows.
Steve the Count

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Thursday, May 23, 2002 - 04:00 am:

If you remember correctly Steve...I would not have been mad at you, or George at that time...he was really sick...we were just remembering things at that time... he died sortly after that. Anyway,.. I'm sorry I corrected you...Alfreda was at least eight years younger than George and was just starting to play drums at that time. Thanks for the picture...you are hard to correct when it comes to memories, however, I mentioned it to Dan and he said he remembers the incident the same way. I was not mad....just remembering. See you in Sept.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Thursday, May 23, 2002 - 05:02 am:

P.S. Steve...George could't remember Alfreda...we tried to jolt his memory...but he remembered a girl that lived four blocks away from him..that he sold the drums to...but he didn't remember her. If you would like to see her, I am sure we can find her at the Flamingo Hotel.. Let me know.

By George Katsakis (152.163.201.77 - 152.163.201.77) on Thursday, May 23, 2002 - 05:44 am:

Count,

I remember Alfreda and saw her perform. Do you remember Diane Willard (Diane Anderson) she played the trumpet in the band. Her husband was Ken Anderson who played the saxophone along with me in the Royaltones. You can see a picture of Ken and Diane in the photo of the Peppermints.

By thecount (166.90.226.98 - 166.90.226.98) on Friday, May 24, 2002 - 01:01 am:

Hey george,I remember Alfreda was already a drummer in 1958,and thats when I started Cody HI.She was awsome,and became one of the finest female drummers in and around Mich.There were many male drummers who couldn't play as well as Alfreda.But if she was 8yrs. younger then me and George,she wouldn't even of been in hi school yet even after we graduated in 1962...George graduated,I didn't.I was a hi school drop in,I would drop in now and then.Music was more important.Anyhow,when do you remember Alfreda with her first band?I know it was in the 60's sometime.I remember George and I always admired her talents,and that was early 60's.Keep in touch George and hope to see you soon again. Steve "The Count"

By George Katsakis (64.12.105.156 - 64.12.105.156) on Friday, May 24, 2002 - 05:28 am:

Count,

I remember Alfreda and her sisters and their father and I would have to put the year at 1958 and I think Diane and Ken got married shortly after that. I think one of Alfreda's sisters played the accordian. If I can reach Diane I will direct her to the site and she can probably clear it all up. My bet is that she will also have pictures.

By Millie (64.152.158.53 - 64.152.158.53) on Saturday, May 25, 2002 - 03:41 am:

Hey DeAnne!
Just wanted to let you know that the reason the date for the Motor City Musicians Reunion was changed to September 8th is because September 6th belongs to you! Yes, we're all excited about the fundraiser for this site, but more than that, we're all looking forward to seeing you and Eddie, and just having a wonderful time at the Clawson! What a great weekend it's going to be...how long has it been since you've been together with so many of your friends at one time? Wish George could be with us...he could sing "Knock On Wood" and "Mustang Sally", and we'd all be in rock & roll heaven!! Detroit loves and misses you.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Sunday, May 26, 2002 - 06:15 pm:

Thanks, Millie. Kelly gave me a website for Mother's Day called Terry and The Topics. Right now there is nothing really on it, but I began working this morning telling the story of the topics. Kelly is going to put it together for me...I'm at here mercy. Anyway, I am very excited about the trip. You sure have hooked up with a lot of old friends on the forum...isn't it fun. George will certainly be remembered on the 6th. Maybe I can find someone to do Knock on Wood with me the way George and I used to do it. With all of that talent there, I am sure that it won't be a problem. Mustang Sally, however was always his great song!! Hope all is well.

By Deanne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 04:10 am:

Made all my reservations today for the reunion. I am really excited about seeing all of you again. Plane reservations are done, and car, etc. but, I can't remember the hotel next to the Clawson Inn...Is it a Hilton??? Guy, help me hout here...what was the hotel one mile from you that I need to make the reservation at??? Everything else is done...plane..car..etc. Need the hotel... Thanks.

By DAVID KOVARIK (65.59.32.14 - 65.59.32.14) on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 05:13 am:

DEANN,
DAVE K HERE. SORRY TO HEAR YOU DIDNT KNOW ABOUT GRANT. HE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE ONE OF THE BEST IN MY MIND. GEORGE TO. THEY ARE BOTH PROBABLY UPSTAIRS JAMMING AS WE SPEAK.I GUESS BO AND VIC OLSON WOULD BE IN THE GROUP. MAYBE GRANT IS SOLDERING FOR TERRY. INSIDE JOKE, I AM SURE YOU KNOW ABOUT GRANT. HE SPENT HIS ADULT LIFE SOLDERING THINGS, HIS BASS OR WHAT EVER. MORE THAN HE PLAYED. LOL THAT IS HOW HE ENDED UP AT GENERAL ELECTRIC I AM SURE OF IT. IT WAS ALWAYS A STANDING JOKE WITH THE BAND.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN SEPTEMBER.HAVE A SAFE TRIP.
DAVE

By Guy Gillis (68.41.131.38 - 68.41.131.38) on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 02:09 pm:

Deanne:

When I go to the Clawson Wednesday I will stop by the hotel and get the name and phone number for you. The hotel is not next to the Clawson but it's within a half mile. There are two or three. I will get the names and numbers Wednesday evening.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 05:30 pm:

Dave...great to hear from you. Yes, that band would be rock and roll heaven with Grant George, Vic, Bo and the rest. I am starting to work on a story for Terry and The Topics, for a small site dedicated to George. I'll keep you posted. Can't wait to see you and Pam...I am sure that she is as beautiful as ever!!
Guy, just drive by and get the name of the hotel..I'm sure I can scramble up the number from information. That will be easier that you having to stop there. I sure appreciate it. Talk to you soon.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 09:13 pm:

Gary...here is where we should be. I left a message for you on my other link. Guy....how did you make out with that hotel name??? Did you get my e-mail?? Thanks.

By gmtorg (66.73.208.8 - 66.73.208.8) on Friday, June 07, 2002 - 02:18 am:

DeAnne...thanks for letting me know about this thread. As I said, it's just by chance I came across this forum. I told Bob and Margie...they couldn't believe it and I'm sure they'll try to see you in Sept. Later.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Friday, June 07, 2002 - 04:53 am:

Gary...will you be at the Clawson in September??? It's the 6th...Hope to see yo there.

By gmtorg (66.73.210.98 - 66.73.210.98) on Friday, June 07, 2002 - 11:03 pm:

DeAnne...I think so. I'm definitely going to try. By the way, I can't believe all the memorabilia you've held onto over the years. You're living history of the Detroit music scene. I especially enjoyed reading the article on the young Miss DeAnne Jaimes.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 03:34 am:

Thanks Gary...It's all history...what is important is what we do today...Isn't that what life is about. Thanks for enjoying all of that stuff....I can't wait to see you again,.

By Guy Gillis (216.29.209.125 - 216.29.209.125) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 02:24 pm:

DeAnne:

I sent you an E-Mail on where to stay Sept. 6th.

By DeAnne (24.120.38.66 - 24.120.38.66) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 11:48 pm:

Thanks so much Guy....we may even pop in for dinner on the 5th . We are so looking foward to it.