J. Harrison B. — Lincoln Band Wiki

Notes

...initially called The Nomads, these Fremont High School graduates migrated to The University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1963. Changing their name to J. Harrison B. & The Bumbles, they were campus favorites through the 1960's and toured Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas from 1963-68. (The name "Bumbles" was dropped about 1967 - changing the name to "J. Harrison B."). While in Lincoln, they played such venues as Pla-Mor Ballroom, Robbie's Happy Corner, Pershing Auditorium, The University of Nebraska Union, Jazz & Java, Keen-Time and 9-High Parties, The Lincoln and Cornhusker Hotel Ballrooms, Der Loaf & Stein, & The Red Ram. Changing from a pure rock band (guitar-sax-drums), the band expanded to an 8-piece Rhythm & Blues Band in the late 60's. The band frequently featured a 3-piece horn section, Hammond M-3 organ, and a wild choreographed stage show, fronted by soul singer, Liz Williams. Band members left the stage regularly to prance around the dance floor, bopping dancers with a "Whiffle-ball" Bat, wearing "Captain Crunch Hats", and riding on the shoulders of Stan Johnson, while still playing their horns. Unfortunately, no commercial recordings were ever released by the band. However, 45-RPM acetates of The Nomads exist in EP form, recorded at ROTO Records in 1963. The band also recorded three excellent sides at BraveRecords in Harvey, Illinois in 1967. These progressive self-penned tunes combined the funk of an RB band; a touch of psychedelia, and jazz overtones mixed with excellent Vocals and are still fresh some 33 years later. Unfortunately these masters were never released. J. Harrison B. performed for a private party for movie producer, Otto Preminger and also performed for the cast of the then popular television show "Desert Fox" in Aspen, CO. Drummer in The Nomads and later J. Harrison B. & The Bumbles (from 1963 through 1966) was Mike Klingner, a native of McCook, NE. Mike was an Air Force fighter pilot and was shot down over Laos in 1970. Initially declared MIA, he was declared Killed in Action a year later. Wreckage of his plane was found in Laos in 1995 - but no evidence of his body or gear was found. A Memorial Service was held in McCook, NE on July 3, 2000 to honor Mike & a room at The McCook City Library was dedicated to his memory, along with a showcase of memorabilia from his life.

Article

J. HARRISON B.
Years Playing 1962 - 1968
Members:
         Mike Semrad
         Stan Johnson
         Quinn Kulhanek
         Ed Heine
         Mike Klinger
         also with: George Bryan, Jack Hagerman, Barry Hanson, Liz Williams (McHargue), Steve Forcier, Bill Childs, Ron McClure, Dennis Kohout, Brad Timm, Mike Dorsey and Tom Schultz
Releases:

Members came from:
Members went to: The Smoke Ring

...initially called The Nomads, these Fremont High School graduates migrated to The University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1963. Changing their name to J. Harrison B. & The Bumbles, they were campus favorites through the 1960's and toured Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas from 1963-68. (The name "Bumbles" was dropped about 1967 - changing the name to "J. Harrison B.").

While in Lincoln, they played such venues as Pla-Mor Ballroom, Robbie's Happy Corner, Pershing Auditorium, The University of Nebraska Union, Jazz & Java, Keen-Time and 9-High Parties, The Lincoln and Cornhusker Hotel Ballrooms, Der Loaf & Stein, & The Red Ram.

Changing from a pure rock band (guitar-sax-drums), the band expanded to an 8-piece Rhythm & Blues Band in the late 60's. The band frequently featured a 3-piece horn section, Hammond M-3 organ, and a wild choreographed stage show, fronted by soul singer, Liz Williams. Band members left the stage regularly to prance around the dance floor, bopping dancers with a "Whiffle-ball" Bat, wearing "Captain Crunch Hats", and riding on the shoulders of Stan Johnson, while still playing their horns.

Unfortunately, no commercial recordings were ever released by the band. However, 45-RPM acetates of The Nomads exist in EP form, recorded at ROTO Records in 1963. The band also recorded three excellent sides at BraveRecords in Harvey, Illinois in 1967. These progressive self-penned tunes combined the funk of an RB band; a touch of psychedelia, and jazz overtones mixed with excellent Vocals and are still fresh some 33 years later. Unfortunately these masters were never released.

J. Harrison B. performed for a private party for movie producer, Otto Preminger and also performed for the cast of the then popular television show "Desert Fox" in Aspen, CO. Drummer in The Nomads and later J. Harrison B. & The Bumbles (from 1963 through 1966) was Mike Klingner, a native of McCook, NE. Mike was an Air Force fighter pilot and was shot down over Laos in 1970. Initially declared MIA, he was declared Killed in Action a year later. Wreckage of his plane was found in Laos in 1995 - but no evidence of his body or gear was found. A Memorial Service was held in McCook, NE on July 3, 2000 to honor Mike & a room at The McCook City Library was dedicated to his memory, along with a showcase of memorabilia from his life.

Members