B

Roy Head

Band members Related acts

line up 1 (1957-61) (Roy Head and the Traits)

- Tommy Bolton (RIP 2003) -- rhythm guitar

- Dan Buie -- keyboards

- Clyde Causey -- lead guitar

- Gerry Gibson -- drums, percussion

- Roy Head -(RIP 2022) - vocals

- Bill Pennington -- bass

line up 2 (1961-62) (Roy Head and the Traits)

- Tommy Bolton (RIP 2003) -- rhythm guitar

- Dan Buie -- keyboards

- Clyde Causey -- lead guitar

- Gerry Gibson -- drums, percussion

- Roy Head (RIP 2022) -- vocals

NEW - David McCumber -- sax

- Bill Pennington -- bass

line up 3 (1962-63) (Roy Head and the Traits)

NEW - Johnny Clark -- lead guitar (replaced George Frazer)

- Dan Buie -- keyboards

- Clyde Causey -- lead guitar

- Gerry Gibson -- drums, percussion

NEW - Danny Gomex -- sax

- Roy Head (RIP 2022) -- vocals

- David McCumber -- sax

NEW - Frank Miller -- rhythm guitar (replaced Tommy Bolton)

- Bill Pennington -- bass

line up 4 (1963-64-) (Roy Head and the Traits)

- Dan Buie -- keyboards

- Johnny Clark -- sax

- Gerry Gibson -- drums, percussion

- Danny Gomex -- sax

- Roy Head (RIP 2022) -- vocals

- David McCumber -- sax

- Frank Miller -- lead guitar (replaced George Frazer)

- Bill Pennington -- bass

line up 5 (1964-)

- Dan Buie -- keyboards

- Johnny Clark -- sax

- Gerry Gibson -- drums, percussion

- Danny Gomex -- sax

- Roy Head (RIP 2022) -- vocals

NEW- Sarah Fulcher -- vocals

NEW - Gene Kurtz -- bass (replaced Bill Pennington)

NEW- Kenny Williams -- lead guitar (Frank Miller)

line up 6 (Roy Head solo)

- Roy Head (RIP 2020) -- vocals

supporting musicians (1972)

- David Beaver -- backing vocals

- Paul Cannon -- guitar

- Rennie Crook -- backing vocals

- Steve Cropper -- guitar

- Gary Johns -- backing vocals, percussion

- Jimm Johnson -- bass

- David Mayo -- backing vocals

- Dee McMinn -- backing vocals

- Richie Simpson -- drums

- J.A. Spell -- keyboards

- Pat Taylor -- backing vocals

- Tony Joe White -- guitar

- The Traits

Genre: blue-eyed soul

Rating: 2 stars

Title: Treat Me Right

Company: Scepter

Catalog: (S)5532
Year: 1965

Country/State: Three Rivers, Texas

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: --

Available: 1

Catalog ID: --

Price: $25.00

With The Traits, singer Roy Head had been recording music since 1959. 1964 found the Head and company finally getting a shot at national recognition when they were signed to the New York based Scepter label.

Released in 1965, "Treat Me Right" was a compilation of previously recorded Head & the Traits material and new studio numbers. The album title was clearly intended to take advantage of the band's massive successes with the single 'Treat Her Right.' Ironically the hit was not included on the album, while the title track was actually a re-titled version of the earlier single 'You'll Never Make Me Blue.' Only 24, Head had a capable voice that was dynamic enough to handle the band mixture of pop, R&B and soul influences. At the same time that album was clearly transitional with material like the title track showcasing Head as a Bobby Darin-styled teenage idol, while 'One More Time' echoed Buddy Holly-styled rock moves. At least to my ears Head was much better suited for the band's soul and blues outings. His James Brown infatuation came through loud and clear on their cover of 'Night Train.' Their cover of Rosoe Gordon's 'Just a Little Bit' would have sounded good on the chitlin' circuit, while their version of 'Money' was one of the best takes on the song I've ever heard. It should have been tapped as a single. Equally good, 'Get Back' underscored the group's rock influences. Is it a great album? Nah. It's too inconsistent for that and Head and company don't show much in the way of originality here. Still, it's promising. Shame they didn't get a chance to stretch their creative wings.

Underscoring the mixture of previously released and new songs, the front cover showed this as a Roy Head solo effort. Who knows why, but the flip side credits it to Roy Head and the Traits. The latter is probably closer to the truth since the album's ten tracks included a couple of Traits performances.

"Treat Me Right" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Just a Little Bit (Delena Gordon (aka Rosco Gordon)) - 2:10 rating: *** stars

While it may not have improved on the 1960 Roscoe Gordon original, Head's cover of 'Just a Little Bit' wasn't bad for a young, white guy ... Head and company stayed true to the original melody and rhythm though they speeded the track up quite a bit and added a nice guitar solo as a nod to the younger audience. Scepter tapped it as the album's first single:

- 1965's 'Just a Little Bit b/w 'Treat Me Right' (Scepter catalog number SCE 12116 A/B)

2.) One More Time (Roy Head - Bill Pennington - Dan Buie - George Frazier - Jerry Gibson - Tom Bolton) - 2:10 rating: *** stars

With a distinctive Buddy Holly vibe, 'One More Time' was a remake of a Roy Head and the Traits 45. Not sure if it was the same track with the instrumentation cleaned up, or if the song was re-recorded. George Frazier's original guitar was certainly bolstered.

3.) Money (Berry Gordy - Janie Bradford) - 1:59 rating: **** stars

Given 'Money' has to be one of the most frequently covered rock and soul standards, Head's version is pretty stunning. Unlike most cover versions, Head and company sanded off a tad of the original's desperation (nah, he still wanted your money); replacing it with a slinky edge. The percussion heavy opening was cool (it felt like the drums were right in front of you). Shame it was so short.

4.) Get Back (instrumental) (Jimmy McCracklin) - 2:16 rating: *** stars

The first of two versions of the song (the non-instrumental) shows up on side two. Technically it isn't an instrumental since you head Head intoning the title track several times. Nice urgent melody with a great bass line, some killer surf guitar and tasty horn charts.

5.) The Feeling's Gone (Deadric Malone) - 3:23 rating: *** stars

Most folks are going to know the B.B. King version (there are dozens of covers). Once again Head's version wasn't going to make you forget King's version, but his slowed down, bluesy take was quite impressive. Nice un-credited sax solo .

(side 2)

1.) Treat Me Right (Danny Gomez) - 2:16 rating: ** stars

Another previously released Head and the Traits performance, 'Treat Me Right' was a re-titled version of the 1965 single 'You'll Never Make Me Blue.' "Answer" records were all the rage in the early and mid-'60s so I guess it wasn't a surprise to see Scepter trying to take advantage of the massive success Head had enjoyed with 'Treat Her Right.' Personally I didn't think too much of the performance which framed Head as a "teen idol' type of singer. Sarah Fulcher was the featured female single.

- 1965's 'You'll Never Make Me Blue' b/w 'Get Back' (Lori catalog number No. 9551)

2.) Get Back (Jimmy McCracklin) - 2:16 rating: **** stars

'Get Back' had previously been released as a single. Credited to "Roy & Sarah and the Traits', it was the flip side to a 1965 single 'You'll Never Make Me Blue'. With Sarah Fulcher featured on vocals, I can't help but smile every time I head the hyper-speed 'Get Back.' You have to wonder how many energy drinks (or other substances) these guys had consumed before recording this rocker. The song was tapped as the album's second single:

- 1966's 'Get Back' b/w 'Get Back' (instrumental) (Scepter catalog number SCE 12124-A/B

3.) Convicted (Vance Packard - Ira Kostoff - George Myself (aka George Mysels)) - 2:48 rating: ** stars

The ballad 'Convicted' sounded much older than the rest of the album. Kind of a lounge act vibe going on here. It makes me think this was another Roy Head and the Trait performance.

4.) Night Train (Jimmy Forrest - Oscar Washington - Louis Simpkins) - 1:50 rating: **** stars

Hum, 'Night Train' found Head and the horns trotting out there best James Brown and the Flames impression. The delivery was frantic and suffered from one flaw - it was too short.

5.) My Babe (instrumental( (Willie Dixon) - 2:15 rating: *** stars

Roy Head and the Traits had previously recorded a cover of Willie Dixon's 'My Babe' for Don Robert's Back Beat label. Perhaps because they needed a track to flush out the running time, Head included a slightly subdued instrumental version on the album. BackBeat took full advantage of the opportunity to release the earlier Head and the Traits vocal version of the song as a 45:

- 1966's 'My Babe' b/w 'Pain' (Back Beat catalog number 566)

Genre: blue-eyed soul

Rating: 2 stars

Title: Dismal Prisoner

Company: TMI

Catalog: TMS-1000
Year: 1972

Country/State: Three Rivers, Texas

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: --

Available: 1

Catalog ID: --

Price: $40.00

Roy Head's fourth studio album in seven years. Roy Head's ninth label in eight years. You don't need to be a marketing expert to see a pattern here. Which is a shame given the late Roy Head was a truly talented blue-eyed soulster. Signed by Bob Tanner's Memphis-based TMI label, 1972's "Dismal Prisoner" teamed Head with Steve Cropper in the production role. From an artistic standpoint it made for a great collaboration. Cropper had a natural understanding of Head's strengths and brought in a slew of Stax associates to provide material and musical backing. Exemplified by Stax-tinged material like 'Getting Too Big for Your Britches', 'I've Got the Power' and the title track the results provided a near perfect setting for Head's wonderful blue-eyed soul voice. Anyone into the likes of Delbert McClinton, The Cate Brothers, or the late Tony Joe White was going to find a lot to like here. Curiously, while I'm not a big blues fan, two of the album's highlights came in the form of his bluesier performances - a slithering cover of James Lee Hooker's 'Crawlin' Kingsnake' and the Head original and politically incorrectly titled 'Smell a Woman.' The latter was interesting to hear for the way Head "flattened" his vocals - kind of a Ian Hunter vibe on the delivery. The album's weirdest performance provided another highlight. Built on a stereotyped native American rhythm and espousing a pro-Indian plotline, 'Chickamaugua' may not have passed today's PC filters, but it was one cool song.

For some reason TNT didn't bother to float any singles and sadly lacked the marketing muscle to really promote the album. The LP quickly vanished and within a couple of years Head was recording for ABC Records. Not that I have a marketing degree, but I suspect Ronnie Stoots album cover design probably didn't spur sales.

"Dismal Prisoner" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) I've Got the Power (Van Morrison) - 5:25 rating: **** stars

I've always been surprised at how well Head's southern growl meshed up with a Van Morrison song like 'I've Got the Power.' Backed by some punchy Stax-styled horns, Head's enthusiastic performance actually reminded me a touch of prime Delbert McClinton. Everytime I hear this one I just picture a big Cheshire cat sneering - "my, my, my ...". Would love to have seen this one in a live setting.

2.) Getting Too Big for Your Britches (Mack Rice) - 3:46 rating: **** stars

Written by the criminally overlooked Mack Rice and previously covered by The Staples Singers, Head turned in admirable cover of 'Getting Too Big for Your Britches.' Again powered by some tasty Stax-styled horns and a sneering vocal, just imagine what Hear could have done signed to Stax. (Be sure to check out The Staples version which featured Pops Staples and some stellar guitar.)

3.) Why Don't We Go Somewhere and Love (Kenny O'Dell - Larry Henley) - 3:08 rating: *** stars

Pretty soul ballad with some nice J.A. Spell Hammond B-3 ... Head brought out a little more "country" in his delivery on this one.

4.) Dismal Prisoner 0613 (Tony Joe White) - 4:48 rating: **** stars

I remember the first time I head the title track and thinking that it sounded a lot like something out of the Tony Joe White catalog. Lo and behold, White wrote it and guested on guitar. Awesome slice of "swamp rock." How did I overlook White's guitar chops?

(side 2)

1.) Don't Bury Me In the Rain (Steve Cropper - Mack Rice) - 3:55 rating: **** stars

The first of two Cropper compositions (his guitar work is instantly recognizable), Head's performance on the rocking 'Don't Bury Me In the Rain' was another performance that reminded me of Delbert McClinton. Kind of a Texas rockin' edge to this one. Only thing I didn't like on this one was the backing chorus. Head didn't need their help.

2.) Crawlin' Kingsnake (John Lee Hooker) - 4:28 rating: **** stars

Shame that today most folks know this tune as a result of The Black Keys cover - for crying sakes, today most music fans don't even know it's a cover. And as much as I like Dan Auerbach and company's version, it doesn't have anything on Head's slinky cover, which in turn has nothing on the John Lee Hooker original.

3.) Smell a Woman (Roy Head - Steve Cropper - Paul Cannon) - 3:34 rating: **** stars

The album's lone original offered up another blues number. Cool hearing Head "flatten" his voice on this one.

4.) Chickamaugua (Steve Cropper - Mary Williams - David Mayo) - 4:10 rating: **** stars

Built on a strereotyped Indian rhythm, it may have espoused a pro-native American plotline, but I suspect there's no way 'Chickamaugua' would pass today's politically correct screens. That said, it's a fascinating timepiece. East to imagine this one on a id-'70s Redbone album.

5.) Rock and Roll Mood (Ken Loggins - Michael O'Martian) - 3:16 rating: ** stars

Yes, it was written Kenny Loggins and originally recorded by Loggins and Messina. Can't say I liked the original and while Head's soulful cover was notionally better, it couldn't save what wasn't a great song to start. The album's first and only real disappointment.

Genre: rock

Rating: 2

Title: The Many Sides of Roy Head

Company: Elektra

Catalog: 6E-298
Year: 1979

Country/State: Three Rivers, Texas

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: white label promo copy; promo stamp on cover

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 3182

Price: $20.00

To be fair, while his career may have tanked, by the late'1970s Roy Head's voice remained in good shape. The real problem to my ears was he'd turned his attention to country music.

"The Many Sides of Roy Head" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Treat Her Right

Anytime an artist decides to do an updated remake of their greatest hits, you know they're in trouble. And that's certainly the case here. As good as the original was, Head's updated, country-tinged remake wasn't. Shame he didn't leave this one alone.

2.) All Night Long Is Gone

3.) It's Time for You To Go

4.) I've Got That Lookin' Feelin;

5.) The Sun's Comin' Up On My Cheatin' Ways Again

(side 2)

1.) Drinkin' Them Long Necks (Johnny Slate - Danny Morrison - John Wesley Ryles) - rating: ** stars

I'll give Head the benefit of the doubt and credit him for being ahead of the curve in terms of country drinkin' songs. Given the Texas-oriented lyrics, you would have expected it to be a massive regional hit. It wasn't.

- 1980's 'Drinkin' Them Long Necks' b/w '' (Elektra catalog number E-47029A/B)

2.) Burn Me Again

3.) Just Before Goodbye

4.) I've Never Gone To Bed with an Ugly Woman

5.) Come To Me Memories

Later releases by Head on Dunhill and Elektra contained elements of rockabilly and psychedelic rock, but by the mid-1970s his solo career had led him to country. He signed first with Mega Records and then with Shannon Records and later on with ABC Records and Elektra Records. After releasing the 1970 cult classic "Same People That You Meet Going Up You Meet Coming Down" on Dunhill Records, Head's music reached the U.S. country music Top 100 24 times by the mid-1980s,^[19] while landing three Top 20 hits: "The Most Wanted Woman in Town", (1975)^[20] "Come To Me" and "Now You See Em, Now You Don't" both in 1977 and recorded on the ABC/Dot label reaching No. 16 and No. 19, respectively.^[21]

Even the earliest blues-laced, rockabilly-styled recordings of The Traits, primarily written in a collaboration between Bolton, Buie, Gibson and Head, have demonstrated lasting power with "One More Time", "Live It Up" and "Summertime Love" making periodic surges into the Top 100 in various parts of Europe.^{[citation
needed]} Joe "King" Carrasco had a hit covering The Traits "One More Time" and releasing it on Hannibal Records and Stiff Records (UK) in 1981-1982. Two Tons of Steel covered "One More Time" again on both CD and DVD in 2000, Palo Duro Records entitled Two Tons of Steel – Live at Gruene Hall.^[22]^[23] Discographies reveal that much of the music originally written, composed and recorded by the Traits at TNT and Renner Records between 1958 and 1962, has been re-released over the past four decades numerous times by as many as 20 different record labels both in the U.S. and abroad.^[24]