ABOUT
The Swingin' Medallions are a veteran frat rock/beach music band from Greenwood, South Carolina with ever-changing members that first became famous during the late 1960s. Formed in 1962 as The Medallions, the band renamed itself The Swingin' Medallions in 1965 and became known for its signature high energy, horn-driven sound. The classic 1966 lineup consisted of Carroll Bledsoe (trumpet), Steve Caldwell (saxophone), Jim Doares (guitar), Brent Fortson (saxophone, flute), Joe Morris (drums), Jimmy Perkins (saxophone, bass guitar), Charlie Webber (trumpet), and keyboardist John McElrath (April 13, 1941 - June 9, 2018), who all shared vocals. Fortson and Caldwell left the band in 1967 and formed Pieces Of Eight (of "Lonely Drifter" fame) and were replaced by Johnny Cox and Hack Bartley.
The Swingin' Medallions debuted on the Pop/Rock charts in 1966 with the fun-loving "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)," which became a Top 20 hit and soon after a million seller. This frat rock classic, which features raucous background party noises, was followed by "She Drives Me Out Of My Mind" (1966) and "I Found A Rainbow" (1967).
Over the years, The Swingin' Medallions have amassed a loyal following among fans of Carolina beach and shag music and have remained active to the present day. The lineup has always included around eight members with at least a four-piece horn section. Longtime member and co-founder John McElrath, who served as the leader of The Swingin' Medallions up to his passing in 2018, was the last original member.
LINKS
- For more info about the history of The Swingin' Medallions and the band's tour schedule, visit medallions.com.
- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution remembers Swingin' Medallions original member John McElrath.
SHOP EXCLUSIVE RECORDINGS FOR THE SWINGIN' MEDALLIONS
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- The Swingin' Medallions - CDs, vinyl, & more - Amazon.com
- The Swingin' Medallions - Digital music - Amazon.com
- The Swingin' Medallions - Rare vinyl, CDs, & more - MusicStack.com
SONGS
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The Swingin' Medallions
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