A Recording of the Gay Blades D&B Corps

[Roger]

Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
Blades (!). LOL.

Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
entirely different meaning then than it does now?

Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
the album.

Oh, here's the Ebay URL:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170

Have fun!

Roger
Houston, Texas
Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

[GThomas835]

This was an African American senior drum corps. Its full name was the Carver
Gay Blades.

[Tom & Karen Peashey]

Actually - I believe the full name was the Washington Carver Gay Blades...
one of several all black corps... I remember them well - they were pretty
good in their day...

Tom Peashey

Roger wrote in message <3869e68a...@nntp.mindspring.com>...

[Bob E.]

From New Jersey Right Tom?

  I remember them playing 'Temptation" , good solid full sound.

[RaidersKL]

Yes they were from New Jersey - the Newark area I believe -- and yes, they were
the Washington Carver Gay Blades.

[pet...@mindspring.com]

Go GWC........! Tom is right; they were good and did some interesting
things for their time. They played "Delilah" off the line (off the
line; remember THAT?) and played a neat version of a song called
"mambo jambo", that, rocked for the late 50s. If my memory is correct,
the DM name was Charles Hampton.. I also remember a soprano from
Hawthorne taught them at one point in time. Last saw them in the late
50s, don't know how long after that they folded (?) Newark is
right.....
They were a great bunch of guys and had a great time on the field.

"RaidersKL" <raid...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:19991229184243...@ng-fr1.aol.com...

[Tom & Karen Peashey]

Newark...  I believe

 

Tom

Bob E. wrote in message <386A9162...@monmouth.com>...

[LCTroop69]

When I heard Gay Blades I thought you meant the Cavaliers! Thanks for the
enlightenment.

[JudyAnne White]

We, too. have wonderful memories of the Carver Gay Blades and the
Ballentine Brewers. Both corps were from Newark and were frequent
participants in senior shows in the New York Metro area in the late
60's or so. Since many senior corps back then were composed entirely
of white males, the Gay Blades were a wonderful addition to the senior
corps scene. They were a really nice group of men.

[fvigeant]

In 1962, the BIG DEAL about the George Washington Carver Gay Blades, was
their two rifle twirlers. These guys carried REAL CARBINES!!!!! They tossed
them across the field to each other, twirled them, did everything the same
way kids toss those balsa dummies around today. That alone was worht the
price of admission ( which in 1962, was about $3.50 for the reserved
section) The following year, one of those guys went and marched with the
Skyliners. It just wasn't the same with one person....

The Gay Blades also used to take top M&M. They were well regarded for their
field work and the ability to change their drill in a day. Fred

Roger <frel...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:3869e68a...@nntp.mindspring.com...

[Harvey Berish]

The Gay Blades drum & bugle corps appeared a number of times in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade... they were a Senior Corps from Downtown Newark New Jersey and featured some of the most syncopated and exciting drum music and horn riffs of their time. I do remember them swinging down the street to a wild version of 'Mambo Jambo'....They were among my favorites and did many parades in the Metropolitan New York Area.... Harvey at World of Pageantry

Roger wrote:

Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
Blades (!).  LOL.

Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
entirely different meaning then than it does now?

Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
the album.

Oh, here's the Ebay URL:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170

Have fun!

Roger
Houston, Texas
Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

 

--
Harvey Berish, World Of Pageantry
har...@worldofpageantry.com
http://worldofpageantry.com
 

[Tom & Karen Peashey]

All the senior corps used "real" rifles then... Enfields were common...
and yes, they did a lot with them... I don't think dummy rifles were used
in senior corps much before 1970...

Crusaders and Hamburg Kingsmen had great rifle work... I remember a few
stories about guys getting drafted (Viet Nam days) and being handed a rifle
at boot camp... several came out of boot with their stripes strictly due to
their ability with a gun...

Tom

fvigeant wrote in message ...

>In 1962, the BIG DEAL about the George Washington Carver Gay Blades, was
>their two rifle twirlers. These guys carried REAL CARBINES!!!!! They tossed
>them across the field to each other, twirled them, did everything the same
>way kids toss those balsa dummies around today. That alone was worht the
>price of admission ( which in 1962, was about $3.50 for the reserved
>section) The following year, one of those guys went and marched with the
>Skyliners. It just wasn't the same with one person....
>
>The Gay Blades also used to take top M&M. They were well regarded for their
>field work and the ability to change their drill in a day. Fred
>
>
>Roger <frel...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
>news:3869e68a...@nntp.mindspring.com...
>>

[N8230]

One of the rifle guys was Ray Dandridge. Ray was something to behold. Hugo
Everelli and Joe Tucker were the main guys on the admin.staff. Herb Wright
taught the hornline towards the end.

Also ; In 1972 when Carver was down to about 20 horns they joined forces with
the Dover New Jersey Avengers who had a 20 horn parade corps and became known
as the Gardenstatesmen.(Fleetwood Records "72 Felt Forum Album"). We had over
60 horns at the forum and competed all that year in the old "Red Carpet
Assoc.". If I remember right we came in 7th at finals in Erie. The story of the
carver merger is a great one as it came right at the time of the Newark riots.
The Dover group was primally white. We shared each others practice sites on
Friday and Sundays. If the world could have seen up close what we were doing we
could have helped end racial tension forever. Herb Wright and I taught the
hornline together and had a blast.The guys and gals from both groups were
fabulous and became extremely close. It was one of the best times of my life.

The merger stayed together until around 1980 when the Gardenstatesmen
dissolved.

Many of the original Carver guys went on to march with Sky. Some are gone from
us like my friend Herb Wright, but they will never be forgotten.

A Gay Blade fan forever

Ray Troxell

[Smata2]

Their full name was the "George Washington Carver Gay Blades" and they were
pretty successful during the early to mid 60's. They won the Northeastern
Circuit championship in 1960 and had their best corps and season in 63. Like
many other mid-pack seniors they were hit hard by the Vietnam draft.

Carver's show in 62 consisted of:

Theme from Sampson and Delila
King of Kings
Sincerely
Temptation
Sweets for My Sweet
Rock Around the Clock
Sunny Side Up
To The Ends of The Earth

[fvigeant]

Great Story. FV

N8230 <n8...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:19991230180836...@ng-fv1.aol.com...

[Stephen Ford]

If I'm not mistaken Gene Bennett, former Sunriser drill designer and current
Cabs super technician, got his start there. BTW, when is Gene going into the
Hall of Fame???????

Wayne Ford
----------
In article <hu8b4.301$t6.17...@news.optonline.net>, "fvigeant"

[gfpst...@juno.com]

The soprano from the Cabs was Hugo Everelli. He was my horn instructor in the Lakeland Goldenaires.

[sandra...@gmail.com]

On Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 3:00:00 AM UTC-5, Roger wrote:
> Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
> with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
> listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
> MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
> Blades (!). LOL.
>
> Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
> entirely different meaning then than it does now?
>
> Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
> this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
> Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
> the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
> the album.
>
> Oh, here's the Ebay URL:
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170
>
> Have fun!
>
> Roger
> Houston, Texas
> Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

My father, Roland A. Cassey was a Washington Carver Gay Blade. He still talks about how good they were. And he still likes to go Drum Corps comps in Clifton, NJ. He's 78 now. God bless him. Glad to see how many people appreciate those bands. I loved reading all the comments here. It made me happy. :)

[loveth...@gmail.com]

On Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 3:00:00 AM UTC-5, Roger wrote:
> Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
> with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
> listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
> MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
> Blades (!). LOL.
>
> Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
> entirely different meaning then than it does now?
>
> Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
> this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
> Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
> the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
> the album.
>
> Oh, here's the Ebay URL:
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170
>
> Have fun!
>
> Roger
> Houston, Texas
> Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

Nothing funny about The George Washington Carver Gay Blades, from Newark New jersey, during the late 50's and mid 60's. I should know, I was there. I watched them as a young boy growing up with 2 uncles as members. I vowed to join one day. When they rehearsed in the local playground, you would swear that the entire black population of the city was there. That day came at the age of 18. I was a second generation "Blade". This was an all-male, all-black Senior Drum and Bugle Corps. They were the pride of Newark. This young men worked hard and dedicated themselves to be the best ever. They were Champions of The Red Carpet Circuit in 1959, 1960, and 1963. (I stand to be corrected). They were unbelievable! The "Blades" were professional marchers. They marched like machines! And that sound!!! They played some of the most difficult music around at that time...The Ten Commandants, Samson & Delilah, What kind of fool am I?, Temptation...and I could go on and on. Please spare your gay jokes, because they are very insulting. There is not enough space for me to share that history. But I will guarantee you one thing my little chickadees...if you happen to get an opportunity to give an ear For 'THE GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER GAY BLADES"...your listening experience will be rewarded

[loveth...@gmail.com]

On Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 3:00:00 AM UTC-5, Roger wrote:
> Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
> with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
> listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
> MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
> Blades (!). LOL.
>
> Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
> entirely different meaning then than it does now?
>
> Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
> this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
> Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
> the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
> the album.
>
> Oh, here's the Ebay URL:
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170
>
> Have fun!
>
> Roger
> Houston, Texas
> Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

Lastly, I know Ray Troxell. He is a scholar and a gentleman. Everything he said was true, Ray was an excellent corpsman. Played solo soprano, (I think). He had keen musical knowledge, was a an excellent and patient instructor. I marched with The Garden Statesman also. I played on the drumline with Ray senior, known as Mr. T. MrT eventually became the director of the corps. Hey Ray, this is John Cherry. My uncles were, John, (Sonny), and Jerry, (peanut). I know you remember the Cherry family

[loveth...@gmail.com]

On Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 3:00:00 AM UTC-5, Roger wrote:
> Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
> with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
> listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
> MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
> Blades (!). LOL.
>
> Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
> entirely different meaning then than it does now?
>
> Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
> this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
> Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
> the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
> the album.
>
> Oh, here's the Ebay URL:
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170
>
> Have fun!
>
> Roger
> Houston, Texas
> Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

GREAT COMMENTARY RAY!...LOVE YOU MAN!

[jhpow...@gmail.com]

I marched with the Gay Blades as well as St. MARTIN TROUBADOURS PLAYED Solo Soprano

[jhpow...@gmail.com]

The other rifle was Jesse,
Chet, Herbie and Harold Wright russel Brown gary bonds, timbale terry so many names i forgottown

[hsale...@gmail.com]

NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT THE "GAY BLADES". They were an all African American male member WORLD CLASS SENIOR CHAMPION drum and bugle Corps during a time when a young black man wasn't allowed to be a part of anything inspirational or educational, but just getting knocked upside the head by white cops just for being alive. Guess what? Those young men endured and overcame more obstacles than you can imagine. Most of its members are no longer living. May they R.I.P. When I was a small boy growing up watching my uncles march, I vowed to join one day. My day came. I am highly offended by anyone jesting about that corps, so stop your silly grinning and show some respect Mr joker. My name is John Cherry. I marched with the George Washington Carver Gay Blades back in 1965 until they merged with another all white member corps around 1970, (no offense, but I forget that merger corps name. They were from the Morristown area). Together, we became known as the Garden Statesmen. I was a tenor drummer until I went in the service during The Viet Nam war. You would not laugh after Carver finished walking all over you on that field during their prime.The George Washington Carver Gay Blades brought pride and repsect to our community! Here was 100 young African American young men, staying out of trouble and avoiding prisons. Sorry for getting so emotional, but some people are just jack asses! You should learn some history!! (lol that!)

[jamesjo...@gmail.com]

🤗🤗Well hello drum Corp world my name is James Jordan and yes still kicking. I was one of the original Gay Blades played soprano. First we started out thru the Masonic temple in Newark,NJ.I also played with another group called Twentieth Century of Newark.If you know me or if can help any one e-mail jj33...@aol.com.

[hsale...@gmail.com]

On Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 12:36:33 AM UTC-4, jamesjo...@gmail.com wrote:
> 🤗🤗Well hello drum Corp world my name is James Jordan and yes still kicking. I was one of the original Gay Blades played soprano. First we started out thru the Masonic temple in Newark,NJ.I also played with another group called Twentieth Century of Newark.If you know me or if can help any one e-mail jj33...@aol.com.

Hey JJ how are you doing? This is John Cherry. I was on the drumline with you. I played tenor drum and you played bass. Remember The Cherry brothers?

[vtc...@gmail.com]

On Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 12:36:33 AM UTC-4, jamesjo...@gmail.com wrote:

> 🤗🤗Well hello drum Corp world my name is James Jordan and yes still kicking. I was one of the original Gay Blades played soprano. First we started out thru the Masonic temple in Newark,NJ.I also played with another group called Twentieth Century of Newark.If you know me or if can help any one e-mail jj33...@aol.com.

Hello drum corps family my name is Jerry Crute and I was in Gay Blades from 64 - 66 in the color guard line. At my first contest at Shea Stadium I missed a count during the competition and ran to catch up. My name was changed to the road runner and everyone in the corps called me BEEP-BEEP ! ! !. I am presently retired and living in Orlando, Florida. jerry...@yahoo.com

[enja...@gmail.com]

Hi there Ray, JJ and Cherry... This is Diane Sives here. I was a member of the Garden Statesmen. Glad to see you are still around. I remember Broadus had a record of the Gay Blades. They were a fine sounding corps. I never saw them march though unfortunately.