The Jets (rock band)
Encyclopedia
The Jets was a band from Pekin, Illinois
, consisting of Mike Isenberg, Graham Walker, Greg Clemons, Greg Wilson, and Randy Kohtz. They were together from 1972 to 1980, and a small amount of their recordings are still available on Twin/Tone Records
.
After a few months together Greg Clemons and Randy Kohtz left the band and were replaced by bassist Thomas Walker who was with the band until early 1974. Gregg Clemons returned on bass. During this version of the band The Jets released the single "Be For Me" backed by "I Play For You". The record charted at No. 13 but the band crash-landed shortly after its release. The band reformed in Madison, Wisconsin in 1976 with the past lineup of Mike Isenberg, Graham Walker, Thomas Walker, and Greg Wilson. This lineup went on to record on the Twin/Tone label, releasing the single "Lover Boy" backed with "Paper Girl". Both songs also appeared on the Twin Tone album Big Hits of the Midwest Volume III. The band broke up in early 1980.
Graham Walker w to other rock groups and several recording contracts, in particular achieving some fame in the 1980s power pop
scene as one of the Elvis Brothers with Brad Steakley (aka Brad Elvis). Walker continues to use the name Graham Elvis.
Pekin, Illinois
Pekin is a the county seat of Tazewell County in the U.S. state of Illinois. Located on the Illinois River, Pekin is also the largest city of Tazewell County, and a key part of the Peoria metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, its population is 34,094. A small portion of the city limits extends...
, consisting of Mike Isenberg, Graham Walker, Greg Clemons, Greg Wilson, and Randy Kohtz. They were together from 1972 to 1980, and a small amount of their recordings are still available on Twin/Tone Records
Twin/Tone Records
Twin/Tone Records was a record label based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that operated from 1977 until 1994 and helped several local groups receive national attention. The label was born from the Minneapolis punk rock music scene, which included venues like Jay's Longhorn Bar. The label was begun by...
.
After a few months together Greg Clemons and Randy Kohtz left the band and were replaced by bassist Thomas Walker who was with the band until early 1974. Gregg Clemons returned on bass. During this version of the band The Jets released the single "Be For Me" backed by "I Play For You". The record charted at No. 13 but the band crash-landed shortly after its release. The band reformed in Madison, Wisconsin in 1976 with the past lineup of Mike Isenberg, Graham Walker, Thomas Walker, and Greg Wilson. This lineup went on to record on the Twin/Tone label, releasing the single "Lover Boy" backed with "Paper Girl". Both songs also appeared on the Twin Tone album Big Hits of the Midwest Volume III. The band broke up in early 1980.
Graham Walker w to other rock groups and several recording contracts, in particular achieving some fame in the 1980s power pop
Power pop
Power pop is a popular musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American pop and rock music. It typically incorporates a combination of musical devices such as strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs. Instrumental solos are...
scene as one of the Elvis Brothers with Brad Steakley (aka Brad Elvis). Walker continues to use the name Graham Elvis.
External links
- Michael Isenberg and the Pekin, Illinois Scene – information about the Jets
- Mike Isenberg – web page by Mike Isenberg with recollections of the band