J. Geils Band
Encyclopedia
The J. Geils Band (ˌdʒeɪ ˈɡaɪlz) is an American
rock
band formed in 1967 in Worcester, Massachusetts
, best known for its 1981 single, "Centerfold
" which charted #1 in the U.S. in early 1982. The band played R&B
-influenced blues-rock
in the 1970s before moving towards a more pop-influenced
sound in the 1980s. Since its initial break-up in 1985, the band has reunited several times.
blues
trio
in the mid 1960s, with singer
and guitarist
John Geils
, bassist
Danny Klein (Dr. Funk) and harmonica player Richard Salwitz (stage name Magic Dick
).
The band formed under the name 'Snoopy and the Sopwith Camels', while Geils was attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute
for a couple of semesters. In 1967, the band switched focus, starting to play electric guitar and bass and recruiting drummer
Stephen Jo Bladd and fast-talking ex-disc jockey
singer Peter Wolf
, born Peter Blankenfeld, both from Boston
. They became the J. Geils Blues Band, later dropping the word "Blues" from the band name. The following year, former fan Seth Justman
joined as an organist
. The group signed to Atlantic Records
in 1970.
Although living in Boston, the band had always considered Detroit their second home because of their enormous popularity there. Two of their three live albums were recorded in Detroit at various venues. The third live album was recorded in Detroit and Boston.
The J. Geils Band first received FM radio airplay with the live single
"First I Look at the Purse". They then began to get AM radio airplay as well with a series of several hit singles in the 1970s, the most successful of which were "Looking for a Love" (1971), "Give it to Me" (1973), a cover version of The Showstoppers' "Ain't Nothin' But a Houseparty" (1973) and "Must of Got Lost" (1974). Later in the 1970s, the band signed with EMI America Records
.
In September 2010 it was announced that The J. Geils Band was a finalist nominee for selection to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
, Class Of 2011, but were not selected for induction that year.
The band attracted special attention for its innovative use of the harmonica
as a lead instrument. Magic Dick is still regarded as one of the best lead harmonica players in rock and roll.
On August 17, 1971, at a show in the Boston Common, The Allman Brothers Band
named The J. Geils Band as their favorite local band. Both bands later played the last show at the Fillmore East
, before it closed. After their initial commercial successes the group seemed destined to be nothing more than a party band, until the release of Monkey Island (1977), followed by Sanctuary (1978).
The group's commercial fortunes improved in the early 1980s, first with the humorous Love Stinks
, then with their success with the Freeze Frame album which included "Centerfold
" (#1 for six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100
) and then the title cut (#4). "Centerfold" also became their only major hit single in the United Kingdom, where it reached #3 in February 1982. Wolf left the group in 1983 over artistic disagreements.
The band went on to record one more album of new material, You're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' Odd
, after Wolf left. He was not replaced, and Seth Justman took over most of the vocal duties. The album produced only one single — "Concealed Weapons", and was not a commercial success. The group then disbanded in 1985 after contributing the title song to the 1985 horror film Fright Night
.
The December 2009 edition of Vintage Guitar (magazine) featured an in-depth interview with J. Geils by Mambo Sons
guitarist Tom Guerra
. In the interview, Geils revealed his playing approach, jazz influences and choice of instruments.
drummer Sim Cain sat in for Stephen Jo Bladd for this tour, which also saw the band supported by backup singers Rita Hall and Kathy as well as the Uptown Horns (who'd also appeared with the group on their Freeze Frame Tour). After the '99 reunion tour finished at that year's end, Wolf returned to touring with his own backup band with the rest of the Geils band making occasional appearances.
On May 22, 2006 all six original members had a surprise reunion at bassist Danny Klein's 60th birthday party at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston.
On February 19, 2009 the band reunited once again to perform the opening concert at the new House of Blues
in Boston, Massachusetts on Lansdowne St. in Boston, (formerly the location of The Avalon, The Axis, The Embassy, and The Modern) with longtime associate Marty Richards filling in for Bladd this time. Subsequently they played two shows on April 24 and 25 at Detroit's Fillmore Theater (formerly State Theater). They also did a second show on Landsdowne St. April 28.
On July 11, 2009, the J. Geils Band reunited again at the Borgata
Hotel/Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey
. The band sold out the Borgata's 2,000-seat Event Center.
On Dec 31, 2009, the original members (with Marty Richards again subbing for Stephen Jo Bladd) reunited for a one-night-only live gig at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT.
The band played a benefit in Boston for Big Brothers/Big Sisters on January 23, 2010, which Peter Wolf called the "last" Geils show. "You never say never," Wolf noted, "but I can tell you in my heart of hearts that as far as I know -- and I'm a pretty good source -- there is nothing I can think of that's planned. So this is basically it right now."
On August 14, 2010 The J. Geils Band reunited once again to open up for Aerosmith
at a sold out show at Fenway Park
. Since then Peter Wolf and J. Geils have both been touring as solo artists. Danny Klein formed a new band called "Danny Klein's Full House" that is dedicated to playing the music of The J. Geils Band.
The J. Geils Band will embark on a short U.S. tour in August 2011.
s in Massachusetts and started the performance shop KTR European Motorsports in Ayer, Massachusetts
. In 1992, he joined his old bandmate Richard "Magic Dick
" Salwitz to form the band Bluestime, which released two records: the self-titled Bluestime (1994) and Little Car Blues (1996) on Rounder Records
. It is believed the band is currently in hiatus.
In 2004, Geils produced the album Nail It! for Massachusetts-based blues/rock group The Installers (Francesca Records #1011). He has also been known to appear on stage with The Installers occasionally.
Magic Dick recently contributed his harmonica playing and some vocals as part of a live recording called Command Performance by the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue featuring The Tommy Castro
Band, Deanna Bogart
, Ronnie Baker Brooks, and others. Since 2007, he has toured as part of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue on different Blues Cruises, and again on land-based shows. Peter Wolf toured with Kid Rock
during the first half of 2008.
Source
Source
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band formed in 1967 in Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city and the county seat of Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Named after Worcester, England, as of the 2010 Census the city's population is 181,045, making it the second largest city in New England after Boston....
, best known for its 1981 single, "Centerfold
Centerfold (song)
Centerfold is a single released by The J. Geils Band from their album Freeze Frame. The song is about a man who is shocked to discover that his high school crush appeared in a centerfold spread for a men's magazine...
" which charted #1 in the U.S. in early 1982. The band played R&B
Rhythm and blues
Rhythm and blues, often abbreviated to R&B, is a genre of popular African American music that originated in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African Americans, at a time when "urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a...
-influenced blues-rock
Blues-rock
Blues rock is a hybrid musical genre combining bluesy improvisations over the 12-bar blues and extended boogie jams with rock and roll styles. The core of the blues rock sound is created by the electric guitar, piano, bass guitar and drum kit, with the electric guitar usually amplified through a...
in the 1970s before moving towards a more pop-influenced
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
sound in the 1980s. Since its initial break-up in 1985, the band has reunited several times.
Career
The band started as an acousticAcoustic music
Acoustic music comprises music that solely or primarily uses instruments which produce sound through entirely acoustic means, as opposed to electric or electronic means...
blues
Blues
Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
trio
Trio (music)
Trio is generally used in any of the following ways:* A group of three musicians playing the same or different musical instrument.* The performance of a piece of music by three people.* The contrasting section of a piece in ternary form...
in the mid 1960s, with singer
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
and guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
John Geils
J. Geils
John Geils popularly known as J. Geils, is an American blues-rock lead guitarist, singer and founder of The J. Geils Band; he has also recorded with several jazz musicians. Born in New York, he grew up in Far Hills, New Jersey where he graduated from Bernards High School.Since 1982, Geils has...
, bassist
Bassist
A bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
Danny Klein (Dr. Funk) and harmonica player Richard Salwitz (stage name Magic Dick
Magic Dick
Richard "Magic Dick" Salwitz was the harmonica player for The J. Geils Band. In addition to the harmonica, Salwitz plays the trumpet and saxophone. He attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he met John "J" Geils and Danny Klein and became a founding member of...
).
The band formed under the name 'Snoopy and the Sopwith Camels', while Geils was attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private university located in Worcester, Massachusetts, in the United States.Founded in 1865 in Worcester, WPI was one of the United States' first engineering and technology universities...
for a couple of semesters. In 1967, the band switched focus, starting to play electric guitar and bass and recruiting drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
Stephen Jo Bladd and fast-talking ex-disc jockey
Disc jockey
A disc jockey, also known as DJ, is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience. Originally, "disc" referred to phonograph records, not the later Compact Discs. Today, the term includes all forms of music playback, no matter the medium.There are several types of disc jockeys...
singer Peter Wolf
Peter Wolf
Peter Wolf is an American Rhythm and Blues, Soul and Rock and Roll musician, best known as the lead vocalist for the J. Geils Band from 1967 to 1983; and for a successful musical solo career to date with writing partner Will Jennings.- Life and career :Wolf was born in the Bronx, New York...
, born Peter Blankenfeld, both from Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
. They became the J. Geils Blues Band, later dropping the word "Blues" from the band name. The following year, former fan Seth Justman
Seth Justman
Seth Justman was the keyboard player for the U.S. rock band, The J. Geils Band. He co-wrote many of the band's songs with singer Peter Wolf, and took sole songwriting credits for the band's biggest international hit, "Centerfold" . Justman became the band's main vocalist once Wolf left the J...
joined as an organist
Organist
An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ. An organist may play solo organ works, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumental soloists...
. The group signed to Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
in 1970.
Although living in Boston, the band had always considered Detroit their second home because of their enormous popularity there. Two of their three live albums were recorded in Detroit at various venues. The third live album was recorded in Detroit and Boston.
The J. Geils Band first received FM radio airplay with the live single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
"First I Look at the Purse". They then began to get AM radio airplay as well with a series of several hit singles in the 1970s, the most successful of which were "Looking for a Love" (1971), "Give it to Me" (1973), a cover version of The Showstoppers' "Ain't Nothin' But a Houseparty" (1973) and "Must of Got Lost" (1974). Later in the 1970s, the band signed with EMI America Records
EMI America Records
EMI America Records was started in 1978 by EMI as a second US label next to Capitol Records. It absorbed Liberty Records in 1984. In the late 1980s EMI America was consolidated with Manhattan Records to form EMI Manhattan Records, which later became known simply as EMI in 1990, then part of EMI...
.
In September 2010 it was announced that The J. Geils Band was a finalist nominee for selection to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a museum located on the shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It is dedicated to archiving the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers and others who have, in some major way,...
, Class Of 2011, but were not selected for induction that year.
The band attracted special attention for its innovative use of the harmonica
Harmonica
The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...
as a lead instrument. Magic Dick is still regarded as one of the best lead harmonica players in rock and roll.
On August 17, 1971, at a show in the Boston Common, The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band is an American rock/blues band once based in Macon, Georgia. The band was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman and Gregg Allman , who were supported by Dickey Betts , Berry Oakley , Butch Trucks , and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe"...
named The J. Geils Band as their favorite local band. Both bands later played the last show at the Fillmore East
Fillmore East
The Fillmore East was rock promoter Bill Graham's rock venue on Second Avenue near East 6th Street in the East Village neighborhood of the Manhattan borough of New York City. It was open from 1968 to 1971, and featured some of the biggest acts in rock music at the time...
, before it closed. After their initial commercial successes the group seemed destined to be nothing more than a party band, until the release of Monkey Island (1977), followed by Sanctuary (1978).
The group's commercial fortunes improved in the early 1980s, first with the humorous Love Stinks
Love Stinks
Love Stinks is the eleventh album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1980 .The title song is a rant against unrequited love. It has been covered by industrial metal band Bile, by Andru Branch in the film Love Stinks, Joan Jett in the film Mr. Wrong and Adam Sandler in the movie...
, then with their success with the Freeze Frame album which included "Centerfold
Centerfold (song)
Centerfold is a single released by The J. Geils Band from their album Freeze Frame. The song is about a man who is shocked to discover that his high school crush appeared in a centerfold spread for a men's magazine...
" (#1 for six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
) and then the title cut (#4). "Centerfold" also became their only major hit single in the United Kingdom, where it reached #3 in February 1982. Wolf left the group in 1983 over artistic disagreements.
The band went on to record one more album of new material, You're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' Odd
You're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' Odd
You're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' Odd is the 14th and final album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1984 after lead singer Peter Wolf left the band. It has only been released on CD in Japan . A vinyl and cassette version of the album was issued in the U.S...
, after Wolf left. He was not replaced, and Seth Justman took over most of the vocal duties. The album produced only one single — "Concealed Weapons", and was not a commercial success. The group then disbanded in 1985 after contributing the title song to the 1985 horror film Fright Night
Fright Night
# "Fright Night" – 3:45# "You Can't Hide from the Beast Inside" – 4:14# "Good Man in a Bad Time" – 3:41# "Rock Myself to Sleep" – 2:57# "Let's Talk" – 2:52# "Armies of the Night" – 4:34...
.
The December 2009 edition of Vintage Guitar (magazine) featured an in-depth interview with J. Geils by Mambo Sons
Mambo Sons
Mambo Sons is an American guitar-based rock and roll indie trio led by guitarist Tom Guerra and vocalist/bassist Scott Lawson, and rounded out by drummer Joe "the Cat" Lemieux...
guitarist Tom Guerra
Tom Guerra
Tom Guerra of Hartford, Connecticut is an American guitarist.Since the late 1970s, Guerra has been a popular guitarist on the New England club circuit, playing with a host of leading blues, rock n' roll and R&B acts...
. In the interview, Geils revealed his playing approach, jazz influences and choice of instruments.
Reunion Appearances
The group reunited with Wolf in 1999 for a 13 date tour of the East Coast and upper Mid-west. Rollins BandRollins Band
Rollins Band was an American rock band led by singer and songwriter Henry Rollins.They are best known for the songs "Low Self Opinion" and "Liar", which both earned heavy airplay on MTV in the early 1990s...
drummer Sim Cain sat in for Stephen Jo Bladd for this tour, which also saw the band supported by backup singers Rita Hall and Kathy as well as the Uptown Horns (who'd also appeared with the group on their Freeze Frame Tour). After the '99 reunion tour finished at that year's end, Wolf returned to touring with his own backup band with the rest of the Geils band making occasional appearances.
On May 22, 2006 all six original members had a surprise reunion at bassist Danny Klein's 60th birthday party at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston.
On February 19, 2009 the band reunited once again to perform the opening concert at the new House of Blues
House of Blues
House of Blues is a chain of 13 live music concert halls and restaurants in major markets throughout the United States. House of Blues first location was in Cambridge's Harvard Square. It was opened in 1992 by Isaac Tigrett, co-founder of Hard Rock Cafe, and Dan Aykroyd, star of The Blues Brothers...
in Boston, Massachusetts on Lansdowne St. in Boston, (formerly the location of The Avalon, The Axis, The Embassy, and The Modern) with longtime associate Marty Richards filling in for Bladd this time. Subsequently they played two shows on April 24 and 25 at Detroit's Fillmore Theater (formerly State Theater). They also did a second show on Landsdowne St. April 28.
On July 11, 2009, the J. Geils Band reunited again at the Borgata
Borgata
The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa is a luxury hotel, casino, and spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States. It is owned by Marina District Development, a joint venture between Boyd Gaming and a divesture trust established by MGM Resorts International...
Hotel/Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, and a nationally renowned resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining. The city also served as the inspiration for the American version of the board game Monopoly. Atlantic City is located on Absecon Island on the coast...
. The band sold out the Borgata's 2,000-seat Event Center.
On Dec 31, 2009, the original members (with Marty Richards again subbing for Stephen Jo Bladd) reunited for a one-night-only live gig at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT.
The band played a benefit in Boston for Big Brothers/Big Sisters on January 23, 2010, which Peter Wolf called the "last" Geils show. "You never say never," Wolf noted, "but I can tell you in my heart of hearts that as far as I know -- and I'm a pretty good source -- there is nothing I can think of that's planned. So this is basically it right now."
On August 14, 2010 The J. Geils Band reunited once again to open up for Aerosmith
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...
at a sold out show at Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
. Since then Peter Wolf and J. Geils have both been touring as solo artists. Danny Klein formed a new band called "Danny Klein's Full House" that is dedicated to playing the music of The J. Geils Band.
The J. Geils Band will embark on a short U.S. tour in August 2011.
Activities of Band Members After Breakup
Since the semi-retirement of the band, Geils has been restoring sports carSports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
s in Massachusetts and started the performance shop KTR European Motorsports in Ayer, Massachusetts
Ayer, Massachusetts
Ayer is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. Originally part of Groton, it was incorporated February 14, 1871 and became a major commercial railroad junction. The town was home to Camp Stevens, a training camp for Massachusetts volunteers during the American Civil War...
. In 1992, he joined his old bandmate Richard "Magic Dick
Magic Dick
Richard "Magic Dick" Salwitz was the harmonica player for The J. Geils Band. In addition to the harmonica, Salwitz plays the trumpet and saxophone. He attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he met John "J" Geils and Danny Klein and became a founding member of...
" Salwitz to form the band Bluestime, which released two records: the self-titled Bluestime (1994) and Little Car Blues (1996) on Rounder Records
Rounder Records
Rounder Records, originally of Cambridge, Massachusetts, but now based in Burlington, Massachusetts, is a record label founded in 1970 by Ken Irwin, Bill Nowlin and Marian Leighton-Levy, while all three were still university students...
. It is believed the band is currently in hiatus.
In 2004, Geils produced the album Nail It! for Massachusetts-based blues/rock group The Installers (Francesca Records #1011). He has also been known to appear on stage with The Installers occasionally.
Magic Dick recently contributed his harmonica playing and some vocals as part of a live recording called Command Performance by the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue featuring The Tommy Castro
Tommy Castro
Tommy Castro is an American blues, R&B and rock guitarist and singer. He has been recording since the mid 1990s. His music has taken him from local stages to national and international touring. His popularity was marked by his winning the 2008 Blues Music Award for Entertainer Of The Year...
Band, Deanna Bogart
Deanna Bogart
Deanna Bogart is an American blues singer, pianist, and saxophone player.She began her career in the Maryland-area with the ensemble Cowboy Jazz, and following that band's breakup in 1986, a stint playing with Root Boy Slim...
, Ronnie Baker Brooks, and others. Since 2007, he has toured as part of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue on different Blues Cruises, and again on land-based shows. Peter Wolf toured with Kid Rock
Kid Rock
Robert James "Bob" Ritchie , known by his stage name Kid Rock, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and rapper with five Grammy Awards nominations...
during the first half of 2008.
Current members
- J. GeilsJ. GeilsJohn Geils popularly known as J. Geils, is an American blues-rock lead guitarist, singer and founder of The J. Geils Band; he has also recorded with several jazz musicians. Born in New York, he grew up in Far Hills, New Jersey where he graduated from Bernards High School.Since 1982, Geils has...
- guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(1967–1985, 1999, 2006, 2009–Present) - Peter WolfPeter WolfPeter Wolf is an American Rhythm and Blues, Soul and Rock and Roll musician, best known as the lead vocalist for the J. Geils Band from 1967 to 1983; and for a successful musical solo career to date with writing partner Will Jennings.- Life and career :Wolf was born in the Bronx, New York...
- vocals (1967–1983, 2006, 2009–Present) - Magic DickMagic DickRichard "Magic Dick" Salwitz was the harmonica player for The J. Geils Band. In addition to the harmonica, Salwitz plays the trumpet and saxophone. He attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he met John "J" Geils and Danny Klein and became a founding member of...
- harmonicaHarmonicaThe harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...
, trumpetTrumpetThe trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
, harmoniumHarmoniumA harmonium is a free-standing keyboard instrument similar to a reed organ. Sound is produced by air being blown through sets of free reeds, resulting in a sound similar to that of an accordion...
(1967–1985, 1999, 2006, 2009–Present) - Seth JustmanSeth JustmanSeth Justman was the keyboard player for the U.S. rock band, The J. Geils Band. He co-wrote many of the band's songs with singer Peter Wolf, and took sole songwriting credits for the band's biggest international hit, "Centerfold" . Justman became the band's main vocalist once Wolf left the J...
- keyboardKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, vocals (1968–1985, 1999, 2006, 2009–Present) - Danny Klein - bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(1967–1985, 1999, 2006, 2009–Present) - Stephen Bladd - percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
, drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
(1967–1985, 2006, 2010)
Touring Members
- Sim Cain - drums (1999)
- Marty Richards - drums (2009, 2011)
- Duke Levine - guitar(2011)
Albums
- The J. Geils BandThe J. Geils Band (album)The J. Geils Band is the self-titled debut album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1970 ."First I Look at the Purse" is one of the songs featured in Nick Hornby's book 31 Songs.-Side one:...
(1970) #195 US - The Morning AfterThe Morning After (J. Geils album)The Morning After is the second album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1971 . The song "Cry One More Time" was later covered by Gram Parsons on his first solo album.-Track listing:...
(1971) #64 US - "Live" Full House (1972) #54 US (US: Gold)
- BloodshotBloodshot (album)Bloodshot is the fourth album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1973 .-Track listing:All songs written by Seth Justman and Peter Wolf, except where noted...
(1973) #10 US (US: Gold) - Ladies InvitedLadies InvitedLadies Invited is the fifth album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1973 .The model for the cover artwork, illustrated by the noted fashion artist Antonio, was reportedly the actress Faye Dunaway, who married lead singer Peter Wolf the following year.-Track listing:All songs...
(1973) #51 US - Nightmares...and Other Tales from the Vinyl JungleNightmares...and Other Tales from the Vinyl JungleNightmares...and Other Tales from the Vinyl Jungle is the sixth album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1974 .-Track listing:All songs written by Peter Wolf and Seth Justman, except as noted....
(1974) #26 US - Hotline (1975) #36 US
- Blow Your Face OutBlow Your Face OutBlow Your Face Out is the eighth album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1976.- Recording :The album was recorded at two concerts held in November 1975. The first show was at the Boston Garden in the band's hometown on November 15th...
(1976) #40 US
- Monkey IslandMonkey Island (album)Monkey Island is the ninth album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1977 . This was the only album that the J. Geils Band released under another name, i.e...
(1977) #51 US - Sanctuary (1978) #49 US (US: Gold)
- Best of the J. Geils BandBest of the J. Geils BandBest of the J. Geils Band is the first Best Of album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1979 .-Track listing:#"Southside Shuffle" – 3:43#"Give It to Me" – 6:27...
(1979) #129 US - Love StinksLove StinksLove Stinks is the eleventh album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1980 .The title song is a rant against unrequited love. It has been covered by industrial metal band Bile, by Andru Branch in the film Love Stinks, Joan Jett in the film Mr. Wrong and Adam Sandler in the movie...
(1980) #18 US (US: Gold) - Best of the J. Gelis Band Two (1980) #201 US
- Freeze FrameFreeze Frame (The J. Geils Band album)Freeze-Frame is the 12th album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1981 . This was the band's only #1 album and their biggest seller. The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 album chart in February 1982, and remained at the top for four weeks. The album featured the hit...
(1981) #1 US, #12 UKUK Albums ChartThe UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
(US: Platinum - Showtime!Showtime!Showtime! is the 13th album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1982 . It was recorded in Detroit, Michigan, and proved commercially successfully but most critics consider it to be weaker than the group's two earlier live albums "Live" Full House and Blow Your Face Out...
(live)(1982) - You're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' OddYou're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' OddYou're Gettin' Even While I'm Gettin' Odd is the 14th and final album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1984 after lead singer Peter Wolf left the band. It has only been released on CD in Japan . A vinyl and cassette version of the album was issued in the U.S...
(1984) #80 US
Collections
- Flashback: The Best of The J. Geils Band (1985)
- Flamethrower (1986)
- Anthology: Houseparty (1993)
- Looking for a Love (1997)
- Best of the J. Geils BandBest of the J. Geils Band (2006)Best of the J. Geils Band is a compilation album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 2006.-Track listing:#"Centerfold" - 3:35#"Freeze-Frame" - 3:56#"Come Back [single edit]" - 3:34...
(2006)
Source
Singles
- "First I look at the Purse (Live)" (1971) #1 AOR US
- "Looking For A Love" (1971) #39 US
- "Give It To Me" (1973) #30 US
- "(Ain't Nothin' But A) House Party" (1973) #2 AOR
- "Make Up Your Mind" (1973) #98 US
- "Did You No Wrong" (1973) #1 AOR US
- "Detroit Breakdown" (1974) #7 AOR US
- "Must Of Got Lost" (1974) #12 US
- "Love-itis" (1975) #1 AOR US
- "Where Did Our Love Go" (1976) #68 US
- "You're The Only One" (1977) #83 US
- "Surrender" (1977) #5 AOR US
- "One Last Kiss" (1978) #35 US; #74 UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
- "Take It Back" (1979) #67 US
- "Sanctuary" (1979) #9 AOR US
- "Come Back" (1980) #32 US
- "Love Stinks" (1980) #38 US
- "Just Can't Wait" (1980) #78 US
- "Night Time" (1980) #5 AOR US
- "CenterfoldCenterfold (song)Centerfold is a single released by The J. Geils Band from their album Freeze Frame. The song is about a man who is shocked to discover that his high school crush appeared in a centerfold spread for a men's magazine...
" (1981) #1 US - 6 weeks; #3 UK - "Freeze FrameFreeze Frame (The J. Geils Band album)Freeze-Frame is the 12th album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, released in 1981 . This was the band's only #1 album and their biggest seller. The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 album chart in February 1982, and remained at the top for four weeks. The album featured the hit...
" (1981) #4 US, #27 UK - "Angel In Blue" (1982) #40 US, #55 UK
- "Flamethrower" (1982) #5 AOR US, #25 R&B US
- "I Do" (1982) #24 US
- "Land of a Thousand DancesLand of a Thousand Dances"Land of a Thousand Dances" is a song written and first recorded by Chris Kenner in 1962. The song is famous for its "na na na na na" hook, which was added by Cannibal & the Headhunters in their version of the song in 1965, whose version peaked at number thirty...
" (1983) #60 US - "Concealed Weapons" (1984) #63 US
- "Fright Night" (1985) #91 US
Source