sixties hastings

Supplied by John Gale

John Gale… Hi,,, my dad use to be a drummer, he sadly passed away in April, going through some of his bits n pieces I found this. I wonder if anyone can shed any light when The Texans, a local jazz band in the late 50s into the 60s, played the pier, I know they did play but just don’t know the dates, do yer stuff, cheers

Lloyd Johnson… There was a chap called Tex Bailey who use to teach the kids at Ore Youth Club the guitar in the early 60s. He had two sons Derek and Pete Bailey who went to Priory road boys school. I wonder if Tex had anything to do with The Texans. He was a great guitar player.. maybe someone can ask his sons. Barry Goodall might know something.

John Gale… Hi Lloyd,,, yes it’s the same Tex. He cleverly named his band after his name,, if you look hard at the card it says Tex Bailey of Montgomery Rd Ore but crossed out Rex resembled Bill Hayley I remember,,, Arthur Miles took over the band in later years I think,, he of Miles Bros Lawnmower shop Courthouse St, Dad loved playing for them,,, he was a better drummer than he ever gave himself credit for,,,(only just passed away 6 weeks ago 😢) just couldn’t read music,, ive tried the pier FB site but there is no record of them playing there, Dad did definitely play the pier, amongst other big venues, a couple of the band members went on to big things,, one being a guy called John Spud Taylor, think he went on to play piano for Jon Dankworth on the early 60s,,,,, unfortunately for dad, I came along in 61,,, he remained in local bands so he could raise our family easier,,, I use get to go to alot of his ‘band dates’. Great memories and he is to take credit for my love for music, especially 60s based 👍. So cheers

Lloyd Johnson… I think Pete Millington has a comprehensive list of bands and dates that played the pier…you might want to contact Peter .I’ve lived in London since 1966 but I use to live in Clifton Road. I went to Priory road boys school and Ore youth club in the 50s/60s. Peter and Derek Bailey were in my class at school.

Pete Millington… Hi Lloyd, I remember we (The Confederates) did a gig with the Texans at the Dolphin Ballroom, Marine Court. That would have been around 1963/4. Not many small dance bands had a guitarist so the memory stuck. I’ve searched my archives but can’t find any record of this or other references to the Texans.

Mike Vawdrey… The John Taylor referred to is undoubtedly the same who went on to a long and distinguished career in jazz. He died in 2015 at the age of 72 after suffering a heart attack while playing at a festival in France. Wikipedia has a pretty thorough career resume in case anybody is interested.

Christopher Dann… Back in the late 60’s I started playing bass with the Ted Crouch band and I remember meeting Arthur Miles in late 1969.  I met Arthur in the lawnmower shop in Courthouse Street and was introduced to his brother Gordon.  Gordon played tenor sax and Arthur played piano and accordion.  When I met Arthur in 1969 he had taken over the Texans and re named the band. Can’t remember the name but I remember it was a trio. I’m pretty sure they played on the pier and I once did a gig at the Falaise Hall with them and the TC band.  Arthur passed away in 1972.

Will Cornell… Being from Texas myself, this is as interesting as your other band over there, the Nashville Teens….but then we had the Sir Douglas Quintet trying to fool everyone they were from England.

Christopher Dann… Just remembered the name. Arthur Miles re named the Texans to The Rhythm Aces. Phew! been working on that one all day. Got there in the end.

Monica Bane… Arthur Miles and Gordon Miles were my Mother’s brother’s ! Think it was called the Rhythm Ace’s. Even as a young girl always remember this name?