THE BEGINNING
In 1961, in the Panhandle plains of windswept west Texas, from Plainview, Texas, two musical celebrities, the country entertainer, Jimmy Dean; and, a local band know as "The String-A-Longs," already had attained national celebrity. Certainly, in this day and time if nobody recognizes Jimmy Dean for anything else, perhaps you have enjoyed his sausage? After all, Plainview did enjoy having the first Jimmy Dean Sausage plant in the nation. On the other hand, "The String-A-Longs" were more obscure. They had signed a recording contract with Norman Petty Studios in Clovis, New Mexico and released one of their original instrumental songs called, "Wheels." "The String-A-Longs" were booked a national tour to promote their song. After the tour their notoriety vanished as quickly as a shooting star in the night. The song, "Wheels," went on to become an international hit that was recorded by Lawrence Welk, Chet Atkins, and numerous well know instrumental artists.
It was in the fall of 1961, in Plainview, when Lloyd & Dennis Watts became interested in learning to play the guitar. Since there was only one guitar in their home, it became a race at the end of each school day to see who could get home to the guitar first! The competition was fierce and many brotherly wars ensued over this new and strange instrument. At this time, Elvis Presley, Richie Valens, the Venturers, and an new era of music called, "Rock 'n Roll" had taken the country by storm.
Two weeks went by and both brothers managed to outlive the horrible pain created by guitar strings upon their fingers. Lloyd went on to Estacado Junior High School and Dennis continued elementary school at College Hill. Two weeks after starting their "get to the guitar first" contest, the brothers were ready to enter their first talent show at Plainview High School. The talent show was sponsored by the local YMCA and was called, "The Bow Wow." By this date, the brothers had acquired a second guitar and performed a duo of instrumental songs with Dennis playing lead to "Jose" and "Dew Drop Waltz." Lloyd sang, "You Win Again." Although it was a close call, they did not place first; but, they did manage an easy second place. More important than placing, the brothers became recognized locally.
During the Christmas holidays in 1961, the brothers were contacted by another local guitarist, named Marshall Hall. He asked about the possibility of having a "jam" session with Lloyd and Dennis. Prior to the session, Lloyd contacted another friend, Don Allen, who was the drummer for "The String-A-Longs."
It was during this first "garaged jam session" meeting, they discovered they all could play a song called, "Torquay II." After their jam session, they all agreed that it was the right time to form a group called, "The Torquays," and the song, "Torquay II," would be their theme and break song.
Click here for the next page, "The Torquays"
