Friday, February 4, 2011

Hollie Hellems and the Rhythm Kings (Major)

 Hollie Hellems and the Rhythm Kings released this nice Folk/Garage sounding 45 on the Major record label in 1967. Band members included Hollie Hellems (Vocal), Roger Crist (Lead Guitar), Gene Kessler (Rhythm Guitar), Bob Legg (Bass) and Mike Tucci (Drums). The flipside is is more of a country ballad. The Major record label was located in Waynesboro Virginia. Drummer Mike Tucci put together a very good tribute video of the Rhythm Kings on youtube. Thanks Mike for sharing the history of the group. 
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10 comments:

  1. michael veeFebruary 6, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    Hi Johnny,
    ...I knew Don't blame it from Gyros' Garage Greatest-series, but the equally great flipside was new to me...any idea where the Rhythm Kings hailed from?
    as always, thanks a lot and best greetings from Italy
    M

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  2. johnnie oFebruary 6, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    Hi Michael Vee

    I don't have any more information about the group right now. I believe I read somewhere that they were from the Virginia area. I know Hollie Hellems recorded another 45 on the Major label which had a rockabilly sound, but I'll continue to find our more information and update the post if I find out anything else.
    Thank you for your post.
    Johnnie O

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    1. AnonymousMay 22, 2012 at 6:22 PM

      I don't know if this came thru or not, but Hollie Hellems was fron Rainelle, West Virginia. He played in alot of the bars in that area.

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  3. johnnie oMay 24, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Anonymous thanks for the correct info. I appreciate that. I was hoping to learn more about the group. If you might have an additional details of Hollie Hellems and the Rhythm Kings that would be great. Again thank you for your comments

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  4. AnonymousJuly 26, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    Hello I am trying to locate Eugene Kessler as I believe his name was Jene Kesaler? as the name on the record label?I guess I've not remembered the spelling correctly.His younger brother was Gary that I gave a ride to Chicago back in about December 1966 or around there when I drove down from Pennsylvania to see Eugene.We both got Discharged out of the service in September 1966 in Germany.We were stationed over there together on the same base in Illesheim Army Air Field He was in the 4/35th Armor(tanks) and I was in the 149th Transportation Detachment(cargo helicopter field maintenance),There was another young man in the 4/35th by the name of Kraft,he reenlisted and got married. The three of us played in a band over there together for the better part of two to three years and we were called The Rhythm Kings and we also made a demo cassette tape and sent it to Brite or Bright Star Recording or recording productions or records?? as I haven't been able to locate them but believe they were in Houston or San Antonio.Anyways long story short we had a demo 45 no label made with a side being Don't Blame it on the Rain and B side was Stateside I have since lost my copy and all the pics of us wearing our Hot Pink Blazers lol I still have one pic of self playing for the kids on post and Gene's shoulder patch is showing the 4/35th and I was playing rhythm,normally played the bass.Yes I believe Hellems was from Rainelle W.Va. and Gene was from Leslie W.Va I know they did a remake on that song and also believe there was a rift between them.I'll not go into detail.I also read somewhere once that he has passed away?I would very much like to make contact with Eugene if he's still around.Thanks my name is Nile Parks and my email is nparks@uark.edu or @ymail.com Thanks

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    1. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2014 at 6:44 AM

      hi i am eugen kesslers grandson and he is alive and I cant tell you where he is but his name is spelled incorrectly on the lable and he still makes music

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  5. johnnie oSeptember 24, 2014 at 1:01 PM

    Thank you Eugene for the additional information. Too bad you don't have your demo that would have been interesting to hear. You happen to find any of the photo's of your group I will gladly post them up on the blog. . I am curious if "Don't blame it on the rain" had a similar sound as on this 45.

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2015 at 5:00 PM

    I knew all of the members of this band from their beginning. They are from Greenbrier county in West Virginia. Holly has since passed away but I think the others are still alive and involved in music at some level.

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  7. UnknownFebruary 2, 2015 at 10:18 AM

    Go to YouTube - Rhythm Kings WV

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    1. johnnie oFebruary 2, 2015 at 1:01 PM

      Awesome Mike, All my questions have been answered. Thank you so much. I will post the link to your video on the blog. Its a great tribute to the band. You included few other songs I never heard before. Did the group ever release a album?

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