Unique Times

Let the good times roll

Oldies create timeless tunes 

All boogie on down

Copyright © Cindy Georgakas
All Rights Reserved 

THEN………

AND NOW…..All except Commander Cody

Happy Fri-Yay Funday my friends,

Last weekend one of my dear friends/client’s son and wife, had us over and we kicked up some fun. This was the first event post pandemic (excluding the wedding I went to) that I actually accepted and felt comfortable at since it was all outside, up close and personal and not a huge mosh pit.

Have any of you heard of Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen, a band that started in 1967? I know I hadn’t but they had some die hard fans and followers, some of which I’m sure were there. After hearing them play last weekend, I can see why! They were amazing, with the same energetic sound, originality and talent as they were known for, and didn’t disappoint! The only sad and disappointing part was George Frayne, aka Commander Cody died Sept 26th, 2021 just a few weeks before the event at 77. 😢

Frayne was born in Boise Idaho, in 1944 and he went to The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he met John Tichy, singer, song writer and guitarist and both graduated from U of M. The original members of the band were Billy Farlow, John Tichy, Billy Kirchen, Andy Stein, Buffalo Bruce Barlow, Lance Dickerson, Steve Davis and Bobby Black.

5 of them broke away from their day jobs to entertain us for a memorable and shoe kicking afternoon at my good friend’s house for a backyard pool party, rockstar music, amazing lunch and fun. It was timeless and ageless with kids dancing, adults letting their hair down and the dogs running and swimming with their own pack of friends. The highlight was our friend getting pushed in the pool by his wife and watching them boogie on down on the grass pool deck dance floor.

Commander Cody and His Lost Airmen combined Western Swing, jump blues, rockability and boogie woogie with freewheeling and played with some of the greats. Their biggest hit was Hot Rod Lincoln which was voted into Michigan’s Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They lived and played in the Bay Area in Berkley, Ca when they got a recording contract with Paramount Records.

They explored country music in the 70’s along side The Eagles, New Riders of The Purple Sage and others mined a similar vein and were more commercially successful. But fans and other musicians would arguably agree they were LOVED and ADORED for their raw authenticity, craftsmanship and their exuberant love for their music they made and remade. They opened for The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, and Alice Cooper and grew to 8 core members.

Although, I didn’t hear them in the day, they are alive and well and I can attest to their showmanship, energy and amazing talent. They went on the next night and played at Freight & Salvage with Bill Kirchen (band member) and his Lost Planet Airman for another reunion in Berkley. We’re hoping it’s not another 50 years for the next reunion and now that we know what to expect we will be the next wave of groupies……. (A big thank you to you two for including us, we had a ball) and loved every minute❣️

Have a wonderful Fun Fri-Yay and happy weekending!

Just turn up the tunes and dance your heart out or at least bee-bop while you’re sitting in your chair writing or resting. As always, I was excited to share the fun and so appreciate you tuning in and visiting.

Big Virtual Hugs and Blessings,

💖

Cindy