Rock band basically formed by former members of the Fugitives.
An early lineup featured Don McCleary (guitar), Warren Krause (bass), John Kramer (organ), Mike Mowry (sax), Steve Kiel (drums), and Jerry Scoggins (lead vocals). In 1966 Mowry was replaced with Barry Karow, and Scoggins was replaced with Gary Raines. In addition to the lead vocalist all members of the group contributed vocals.
In 1967 they released a single “Dawn” b/w “Tawk” (both sides written by Jim Theodore). They could be seen performing at The Zoo in Brooklyn, Villa Cresta Teen Center, Club Venus, Eastwind, Half-Way House… The group opened for national acts including the Grass Roots, and Rare Earth…
During an extended gig at the Club Venus in 1968, vocalist Alana Shor joined the group, becoming the seventh member. With dual vocalists Shor and Raines, the group became known as the Magnificent Seven. By the end of 1968 they had resumed the name Summer’s Misfits.
McCleary left the group to join the Fugitives and was replaced with Bunky Markert. Krause was replaced with Steve Ford. Eventually Karow left to join One Another along with former Misfit/Fugitive McCleary, and guitarist Steve Ford. He was replaced with Bob Bowers. Bowers was later killed in an automobile accident. Karow returned to the group to replace Bowers, staying until 1972.
During the early ‘70s until the group eventually split in 1974 there were numerous personnel changes. Other members of the group through the years included Danny Huer (rhythm), Tommy Carson (vocals ex-Lafayettes, Fugitives, Legend), Tim Barger (vocals), Juan Vasquez (drums), Jon Schmidt (sax ex-Fable)…
McCleary went on to join the Fugitives, Raintree, One Another, Krackerjax, Teddy Bell’s Bell System, and later performed with folk guitarist Pat O’Brennan. He passed away in the ‘80s. Markert went on to join Staggerwing, After Six Combo… Vasquez later played for Annie Oakley, and the After Six Combo. Kiel, Scoggins and Shor became members of Paper Cup.
1967 Dome 4009 Dawn / Tawk
