Tommy Vann attended high school in Oneonta, New York where he sang in teen groups the Pizzarinos, and the Tones. The Tones, featuring future stars Ron Crosby (aka Jerry Jeff Walker) and Larry Santos, released the single “We” (Baton 265) in 1958 backed by Al Caiola’s band. While serving in the Marines, Vann sang with a New Jersey group called the Emblems who released several singles on the Bayfront label. On a trip to Baltimore Tommy met his future wife and eventually moved to the charm city.
Tommy Vann on far left.
In late 1962, Vann and drummer Woody Spence (ex-Vibratones) formed the Echoes with Walt Anderson (guitar), George ‘Doc’ Dochterman (bass), John Piluk (sax), and Gary Loomis (sax). Gary was replaced with Jimmy Loomis (sax ex-Chaun-tels, Joyriders). Mickey Reed (vibes/sax ex-Joyriders) was added to the group to replace Piluk who had been drafted. The Echoes played at The Palms in Brooklyn, and at various local teen centers. Spence ended up leaving the group in early 1963 and was replaced with Walt Caldwell (ex-Crusaders, El Gatos).
In 1963, George Mihalos, owner of the Hollywood Park on Eastern Avenue in Essex, hired the band and they played there frequently. They also played at the Alcazar, the Latin Casino, and some big shows at the Civic Center opening for nationally known groups.
Photo courtesy of Sam Towers
Above: Hollywood Park ads: with The Marvelettes – Oct. 1964. With The Shirelles – May 1966. Shapiro’s – August 1966
Below: Hollywood Park ticket 1964. Beachcombers, Inc. ticket 1966
Below: Tommy Vann & the Echoes – 1964
The band released the single “I’m Hoping You’ll Be Mine” b/w “Baby That’s No Lie” in 1965 on the Hollywood label – which was affiliated with Hollywood Park. They also traveled to New York and recorded under the direction of producer Tommy Kaye for the Bell Records subsidiary Academy label. They recorded a version of the pop classic “Too Young” which Tommy had also done a couple years earlier while with the Emblems. The song charted in the WCAO top 5 in spring 1966. Their next Academy single “Pretty Flamingo” received a “Pick Hit of the Week” in Cashbox magazine as the June 4, 1966 issue notes “Tommy Vann can establish himself in a big way as a national record salesman with this ultra-commercial, Bell distributed, Academy date dubbed “Pretty Flamingo.” This one’s a medium-paced chorus-backed romantic ode all about a fella who aspires to one day snare a real special gal. The undercut, “I’ll Forget Her Tomorrow,” is a laconic shuffle-beat blues-soaked weeper.”
The band’s appearance at the Ellicott City teen club the Last Straw on September 2, 1966 may have come close to being the last straw as the band members were having some differences. The group eventually decided to split in late 1966. Loomis was selected to join Mitch Ryder’s band. Upon the departure of Vann, the remaining band continued as And the Echoes (see bio). Vann went on to form a new band called the Professionals. He also later sang for the Admirals, and Teddy Bell’s group.
1965 Hollywood 101 I’m Hoping You’ll Be Mine / Baby That’s No Lie
1966 Academy 118 Too Young / Give A Little Bit
1966 Academy 120 Pretty Flamingo / I’ll Forget Her Tomorrow
1966 Academy 123 What Can You Do with A Broken Heart / Is This Love (Catching Up to Me)
