Pop/rock/soul band formed in 1958 by midshipmen at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. The group performed at the Academy and throughout the local college frat circuit including Goucher College. Members changed over the years. In 1967 they released their first album with the lineup of Tom O’Conner (lead vocals), Steve Fagan (vocals, trumpet), Larry Purdy (vocals, guitar), Larry O’Connell (bass), Mike May (vocals, keyboards), and Dick Otto (drums). The record consisted of covers of contemporary rock and soul hits along with their original song “No Pain,” written by Fagan-Purdy.
After some personnel changes in 1968 the Spiffys recorded their second album at Recordings Incorporated under the direction of George Massenberg. Featured on the recording were Purdy, and May, with newcomers Rich Petrino (vocals, sax, percussion), Mike Imeson (bass), and John Milner (drums, vocals). The album featured more covers of rock and soul hits along with another original Larry Purdy rock composition “Dreams.”
Through attrition and graduations, the group finally split up in 1969.
1967(LP) The Spiffys
1968(LP) RI 2597 The Spiffys 68
