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I can tell you that this one's quite rare. It shows up in Hans Pokora's 2001 Record Collectors Dreams where it's shown as a six star rarity. Its also shows up in Patrick Lundborg's The Acid Archives where it gets an eight word description. The album was pressed and released in 1967 by the small Camden New Jersey-based RPC label, making it clear this was a vanity project with probably fewer than 1,000 copies pressed. The album cover also provided less than detailed performance credits - the band consisted of lead guitarist Art, bass Randy, rhythm guitarist Robin and drummer Willie. And that's about it for biographical information ...

In the interests of honesty, if you were looking for something totally original and awe inspiring, The Royalaires weren't the place to be looking. The mid-1960s must have seen thousands of bar bands with just as much talent and enthusiasm as this quartet - the only difference being these guys had the resources to somehow document what must have been their stage show. That said, this one isn't without a certain amount of low-keyed charm. Having sat through more than my share of bar band sets, these guys serve as a perfect example of the good and band associated with the genre. Judging by the raw, low-tech sound and occasional background audience noises, "Royalaires Live Vol. 1" was in fact a concert set. With minimal production values that frequently made is sound like the singers had the microphones shoved down their throats. Similarly the set list wasn't fantastic, featuring a haphazard collection of rock and soul chestnuts. None of the ten tracks were particularly impressive - in fact there's a good chance you've heard similar performances at your local dive bar. The singers were marginally competent occasionally actually singing in tune, though most of the time they simply tried to substitute volume for talent. Whoever he was, lead guitarist Art was actually quite good, turning in a series of nice, mildly jazz-influenced performances - check out their cover of Rufus Thomas' 'Walkin the Dog', 'Bring It On Home', or the instrumental 'Guitar Boogie'. Still, not really enough to salvage the collection. Didn't exactly sound like an undiscovered classic did it? It wasn't. ... I'd suggest you go for one of the better Justice label releases instead, but there will be some folks who love this low-tech, homespun release..

I just read your info about the Royalaires Vol 1 live album and your interest in more information.

My uncle, Willie, was the drummer. He was my mother's youngest brother. The guys all had other jobs (that actual paid them). Weekends the band played the local bars, VFW, Lions, American Legends, etc. in the Lancaster County, PA area. They were based in Denver, PA and were all self-taught.

None of the members that played on the album are still alive. My Uncle Willie died of a massive heart attack while dancing at a local event. He was 50. He was married with 2 daughters. His widow is still living in the Denver, PA area as are his married daughters.

I don't know much about the other members but will be seeing my aunt in the next month and will see if she has any more info.

I have attached a photo. No idea who the 5th guy is or when it was taken. Willie is the bald guy in the back.

One last comment about this one. I sold my copy for a couple of hundred dollars and a couple of months later it appeared on eBay with an $1,800 asking price. Save your money. It's rare, but you could do far better things with the money ...