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Unique Times

Where I share my jewels of wisdom of life

5 of these Lost Airman joined with 2 others were at the reunion playing their hearts out: Lucky us!

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. 😢

Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen performing at a free concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1970. Photo by Leni Sinclair, as featured in Ann Arbor Sun, May 31, 1974.
Photo by Leni Sinclair, as featured in Ann Arbor Sun, May 31, 1974.
Commander Cody by Michael Ochs
Commander Cody photo by Michael Ochs Archives

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

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Phil
2 years ago

Soooo much fun!!! Looks like a riot, Cindy ~ let the good times roll! 🎸😎🎶🎵 Thank you for sharing your experience and videos, my friend & I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead! 🤗🌹

A Star on the Forehead
2 years ago

HI Cindy,
This looks like it was so much fun!
Good for them for still rocking. They have more energy than a lot youngsters!! Sorry they were missing 1, but I am sure he was there in spirit.
If I ever throw a party, I am inviting you. You are like me, if there is music I am dancing, I don’t care what everybody else is doing 🙂
Wishing you a blessed weekend! ♥♥

A Star on the Forehead
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Oh, I am surprised you didn’t. I have a feeling that, like me, you can talk do a doorknob and have it answer you lol
Maybe next party you can go up on the stage. They do need a backup dancer lol
❤❤❤

Timothy Price
Timothy Price
2 years ago

I remember Commander Cody very well. I always liked Hot Rod Lincoln, and I still tell my staff when they make the same silly mistakes over and over “You’re going to drive me to drinkin’ if you don’t start THINKIN’!'” You were really grooving out there. What fun you all had. Sad George died before the event.

Vicki Takeuchi Wynne
Vicki Takeuchi Wynne
2 years ago

How fun to have a concert and celebration in such a comfortable setting and renew the musical spirit of the good ole days! Thanks for sharing the afternoon with us, Cindy. Your gusto and zest for life are so contagious. Always wishing you the best. Love you!

inspirechief
2 years ago

I love that song! Thank you for bringing up great memories. Scott

inspirechief
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Showing my age😎🤗

marlene ford gf Sesse
marlene ford gf Sesse
2 years ago

Looks like soo much fun. Great videos.you really cut a rug on that dance floor 😂

GraceoftheSun
2 years ago

Happy Friyay, Cindy. You look like you had a blast!! Love the energy!💕❤️💕

GraceoftheSun
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Always a pleasure my friend .💕❤️💕

Laleh Chini
2 years ago

Why not, having fun is the main purpose of life.👏👏👏😂

Laleh Chini
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

🤗❤️

Jeff Flesch
2 years ago

A lovely post, dear Cindy. Fantastic pics too! I’ve not heard of that band, and am so glad you were able to go to an outdoor concert! So much fun!! The haiku is great. I would be lost without music. It is deep in my soul! Have a wonderful weekend, my dear friend! ❤️🥰❤️

Jeff Flesch
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

You’re most welcome, Cindy! Ha! Exactly. Waaaaaay to young!! 😃 Music is that, for sure. Thank you!! 💖

Jeff Flesch
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

YES!! ❤️🥰xoxo

gabychops
2 years ago

Thank you, Cindy,

Joanna

Kym Gordon Moore
2 years ago

Cindy girl, was that you up there shaking a leg? 💃🏻 I have never heard of this group either but it looks like it was truly a fun event. 🥳 What a great share on this Fun FriYaaaaaaayyy!!!! Wooo-hoooo!!! 🎉🎵✨🎶🎆🎼

Kym Gordon Moore
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

I love your spirit girl. 🤗 I would not have wasted good music like that sitting down, unless it was a slow groove. But if I was there, I would have been right up there with you girl. I ain’t shame to shake my groove thing!!! 🎶💃🏻🎵🥳✨

Kym Gordon Moore
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

And I adore your warm spirit and FUNyay attitude. 🥳 Forever young, even with your client at almost 91. You rock girlfriend! 💃🏻

Kym Gordon Moore
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

💙❤💛🧡💚💙💜

ivor20
2 years ago

Yeah … Some Saturday morning get-up and go music … thank you Cindy for your lively and lovely article, you have really given me a great start, and wonderful piece of added zest to my “Sensational Saturday” … I’m going VISITING some of my best mates today for a out of “Lockdown” get together and barbecue … I have not seen these guys since this time last year … wow … I’m looking forward to a day full of friendship and joy … and plenty of hugs all round ..
😃🌞💛🤗🤗💕😍😉

ivor20
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Always my pleasure Cindy and I’m sure I’ll have wonderful day … the poem might have to brew over a few days .. 💕😎😉

ivor20
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

😎🌞🍻

ivor20
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Haha .. getting picked up soon .. 💛🍻🤗

ivor20
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Yes indeed .. and chauffeured home 😎 hic’ 🍺

ivor20
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Yep I’m set for a very pleasant and worry free day 😊🌏😀🤗

katiemiafrederick
2 years ago

SMiLes Dear Cindy Dancing At Outdoor Festivals
You Surely Look As Lively As Any Of the College
Students i Danced With in the Metro Area Dance
Hall for 6 Years Before Covid-19 Shut That Fun
Activity Down on March 12, 2020 Still Remember

The Day When the Bouncer

At the Door Said This

Place Never

Shuts Down

Not Even

For Christmas
The Very Last Day…

i Showed my Wife Your Dance
And She Said You Look Like You
Are Full of Joy and Life As Any Bird
Free on Wing And It’s Kinda Sad As

Some of the Festivals i used to Dance
Free At Have Not only Been Interrupted by
The Pandemic Yet Canceled Forever Now After

Entertaining Communities for Long Decades on End…

Dancing This Way Together With Strangers is one of
The Best Ways to Call Humanity And Tell Them You Love
Them Without Any Words At All my FRiEnD The Joy of Dancing

The Warmth of HeART in SPiRiT of SoUL Moving Connecting Co-Creating

A Solo Dance is Surely Fulfilling Yet i Really Miss A Crowd Enjoying This Bliss

Thanks For

Sharing

Your

Dancing

Heaven with
Us Dear FRiEnD With SMiLes…
And Nice to See the Group Still Playing
Together After 50 Years of Doing Music..:)

Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet
2 years ago

Looks like a lot of fun…so welcome after the last couple of years! <3 <3 <3 Wonderful photos! and videos! Have a great weekend!

Nawazish
2 years ago

Must have had a great time

Gabriela Marie Milton
2 years ago

Cindy, such a wonderful post. Beautiful pictures and a concert! You rock.
Sending tons of love and hugs.
xoxo

Gabriela Marie Milton
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

My pleasure my dearest Cindy. Still very busy but all is well thank you.
Cindy, I so much appreciate your support and your kindness. It means the world to me. Hon, I liked that post, I commented and thanked you. I think I am in spam.
Anyway, I am glad you had fun. Have a beautiful weekend ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Gabriela Marie Milton
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

You are a gem. Love you ❤️🌸🌹🌺

Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections
2 years ago

Cheers to you for getting this fun post together. I do remember this group – besides – how can anyone forget Hot Rod Lincoln. Well done …. and I hope all is well.

SamSahana
2 years ago

What a lovely day! They must be really inspiring people. It’s like the pics scream “FUNNN!” 😉

salsaworldtraveler
2 years ago

Hey, somebody ca dance. Looks like a great party. I remember the band and its big hit. Hot Rod Lincoln was kind of a rap tune.

Ingrid
2 years ago

What a great sound from these vintage rockers! And it sounds and looks as though you had a ball 😍 happy weekending to you, Cindy 🤩💕

radhikasreflection
2 years ago

Looks like you guys had a great time. Nice videos. Let the fun times roll… I like that 🤗👍🏻
here is wishing you many more such happy moments of fun and laughter. Enjoy your weekend Cindy ❤️

Clive
2 years ago

Wow, talk about a blast from the past! It’s probably fifty years since I last heard them, and good to know that most of them are still going strong. They never really did much over here, but they were always fun to listen to.

Clive
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

I had a friend who was obsessed with them and used to play them whenever we were at his place. I doubt they got much airplay here, but he made up for it! It’s good that they still enjoy playing, and you certainly looked like you enjoyed dancing along 😉

Happy weekend to you too 😊

Gibberish
2 years ago

Sounds like such a fun day Cindy. I especially liked the part of the wife pushing her husband in the pool (may
Be coz I also secretly wanna try the same once 🤣😜) …happy weekend 😊💖

Keith
2 years ago

Cindy, thanks for sharing this. I also was unfamiliar with them until your post. I am listening as I type this. These folks can play. They seem to have a blend of Grateful Dead, Charlie Daniels flair with their musicality and story telling. Very cool. Keith

KK
KK
2 years ago

What lovely reunion, Cindy! What a celebration! Happy that you enjoyed to the hilt. Happy friyay! Have a great weekend 🎉💐💖

KK
KK
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

You’re more than welcome 💖😃

boundlessblessingsblog
2 years ago

Cindy looks like you guys had a fun day. The video was awesome and fantastic. They were the best band of their times. You are looking very nice. A fantastic celebration. Great post.

boundlessblessingsblog
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Welcome always dear Cindy. Happy weekend to you too. Cindy did u receive my comments on your last post do let me know cause I have sent in my comments.

boundlessblessingsblog
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

It’s completely okay and I liked that post of yours too. This WP at times plays mischief with us😂😂😂😂😂

boundlessblessingsblog
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Yes absolutely true 😊😊😊

boundlessblessingsblog
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

❤️❤️❤️

boundlessblessingsblog
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Karen Lynne Klink
2 years ago

Wish I could have been there; music is such a riot!

ben Alexander
2 years ago

They have a great beat – thanks for introducing them to us, Cindy!

<3 <3 <3
David

Lisa at Micro of the Macro
2 years ago

What fun! And look at you bouncing up and down on the dance floor! I’d never heard of them, either, but live music is always a hoot! How nice of them to perform in your friend’s backyard! 🌞

~M
~M
2 years ago

Looks like a very fun time! 😃

~M
~M
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

🙂

Prior
Prior
2 years ago

You are going to drive me to drinking if you don’t stop that hot rod driving in Lincoln!!”
LMAO with the song lyric and gun post!
Glad you had a good jamming time with friends Cindy

Pooja G
2 years ago

It was amazing to see you so genuinely happy and excited!

Gottfried
2 years ago

Bill kitchen never liked cooking. The irony

Ritish Sharma
2 years ago

Loved your dance Cindy. Its so much fun and what an uplifting music they played. Hats off to them 🙌👏👏

Let’s do a happy dance 🕺

Ritish Sharma
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Oh Wow!
It’s been a privilege dancing with you ❣

akshita1776
2 years ago

loved the dance, auntie!!
the music made me monday better!

North Omaha Writers Group
2 years ago

Looked like fun🤩 RIP Commander Cody he had all the flows ( rhyme schemes on point)

katiemiafrederick
2 years ago

SMiLes Dear Cindy the Word Press Notification
System Must Be Going a Little bit Whacky as i
Didn’t Get A Notification for Your Reply So i am

Coming to Visit You in this Space As Hehe As i
Couldn’t Get the Reply button to Work on
Your Former Response, by the way,

i Left one on the Previous Post that
Might not have come through
on the Notification part
of Word Press too

As You Are So Stellar
In All Your Replies to
Those Who Visit You Here

my FRiEnD, Anyway, Haha

Now that i’ve said all of that
Best Dance Wishes of Joy
Always to You mY FRiEnD With SMiLes…

On my Desktop There aren’t Any Options

For Emoji’s so i Will Do my Best With This Here…:)

katiemiafrederick
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

SMiles Cindy i Can see
The lovely response too
Just Didn’t Get A Notification For it
As it Is Working
Fine now on My
iPhone And With
The Word Press
App Now thanks
my FRiEnD

With SMiles🤗🌹☺️

katiemiafrederick
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

🙌☺️🌈🏝

katiemiafrederick
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

🙏🎁💝

katiemiafrederick
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

You Are
An amazingly
Kind Person

Cindy

This World
Need More of You🙌🤗

katiemiafrederick
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

🙌🙏☺️

Shashank Narayan
2 years ago

Seems like a fun weekend 🍕🏠🎉 🥳🙂

Goff James
2 years ago

Seems it was a wonderful gig; and, a great time had by all. Thanks for the share and sunshine.

Goff James
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Cheers. Was that you dancing in the video?

Goff James
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

I thought it was.

Goff James
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

I thought so.

Markus + Micah
2 years ago

Oh, what fun! Loved the sun and the energy!

Michelle
2 years ago

That looks like so much fun!! Sometimes we just need to dance! 🙂

rothpoetry
2 years ago

What a great flashback! I thought I had never heard of them until I heard Hot Rod Lincoln. I haven’t heard that in 40 plus years. What a great time for both you and them!

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