E. Mark Windle 10 March 2026. Many folks from the soul music community will have known the late Mark Bicknell, whether directly through his friendship, his DJing, radio hosting or record dealing. Doubtless they will also be aware of his music industry networking and passion for reissuing rare soul recordings on his Big ManContinue reading “The Aqua Connection: Origin Stories of The Aqua Lads and Twilights”
Tag Archives: north carolina
James Bates, Songwriter and Lead Singer of The Spontanes, Dies Aged 83.
E. Mark Windle 12 June 2025. James Bates of North Carolina and lead singer of The Spontanes, has died after a period of illness on 6th June 2025. Bates was most closely associated with the beach music group The Spontanes, a popular Gastonia group that initially ran from 1960 to 1968, but which has continuedContinue reading “James Bates, Songwriter and Lead Singer of The Spontanes, Dies Aged 83.”
One Dollar Cover, Warm Beer and Good Old Soul Music
E. Mark Windle 22 March 2025. I reckon there will be a few tears shed in the Carolina Rock n Roll Remembered and I Remember the Cellar Facebook groups this week. I just discovered on my social media feed that The Cellar burned down early Saturday morning. Once upon a time, this place really meant something to the music-lovingContinue reading “One Dollar Cover, Warm Beer and Good Old Soul Music”
Maurice Williams, R&B Vocal Group Frontman, Passes
E. Mark Windle 6 August 2024. The passing of Maurice Williams, frontman for the R&B vocal group Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, has just been confirmed by North Carolina sources. Williams was originally from Lancaster, SC. His group involvement was a long one, commencing with the Royal Charms in the early fifties, then the JuniorContinue reading “Maurice Williams, R&B Vocal Group Frontman, Passes”
Big Man Records: The Embers “First Time” b/w “I Wanna Be” (New Vinyl 45rpm Release)
E. Mark Windle 19 December 2023. Without pausing for breath after Big Man Records’ December launch of “Just Crazy ‘Bout You Baby” (b/w “Aware of Love”), the news is that a second quality double-sider from The Embers is lined up for release early in the new year. Starting out as a doo-wop and rock ‘n’ rollContinue reading “Big Man Records: The Embers “First Time” b/w “I Wanna Be” (New Vinyl 45rpm Release)”
Big Man Records: The Embers “Just Crazy ‘Bout You Baby” c/w “Aware of Love” (new vinyl release)
E. Mark Windle 14 November 2023. Continuing the series of quality releases from Mark Bicknell’s Big Man Records, December will be bringing us this quality Carolina double-sider, which is sure to be of interest to rare soul and beach music fans alike. Stalwarts of the Carolina beach music scene, The Embers have enjoyed a prolificContinue reading “Big Man Records: The Embers “Just Crazy ‘Bout You Baby” c/w “Aware of Love” (new vinyl release)”
Reaching Different Shores: A Subculture Rediscovery.
E. Mark Windle 5 November 2021 As important career, family and other life events took over, the musical activities of their youth were becoming distant memories for some former Tempests members. A new generation of musicians were stepping in, taking black music into another era. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the love of R&B from anContinue reading “Reaching Different Shores: A Subculture Rediscovery.”
East 4th Street Studio, and the Fabulous Plaids (The Tempests Story pt 13)
E. Mark Windle 18 October 2021 After The Tempests split and members went their separate ways, Van Coble was determined to continue in the industry. With an interest in sound engineering and electronics he toyed with the idea of setting up a recording studio. Before long, Van brought two other business partners into the fold:Continue reading “East 4th Street Studio, and the Fabulous Plaids (The Tempests Story pt 13)”
The Tempests (pt 12): Insight Talent and Surfside Records
E. Mark Windle. 13 Oct 2021 Mike and Roger Branch formed Insight Talent, a booking and promotional agency in 1974. However, Roger was being tempted by an opportunity to take up a position as Polydor promotional representative for North Carolina. Weighing up the pros and cons, rather than take a risk on a new companyContinue reading “The Tempests (pt 12): Insight Talent and Surfside Records”
The Tempests (Pt. 10): The Split, and a New Band Forms
E. Mark Windle 23 September 2021 The initial choice of rehearsal venue for The Holidays, the band formed immediately after The Tempests split, was down to bass player Gerry Dionne. As a vice president with American Motor Inns, the largest franchiser of Holiday Inns in the country at that time, Gerry’s father agreed to letContinue reading “The Tempests (Pt. 10): The Split, and a New Band Forms”