Bay Sound recording artist. Predominately a studio band that also played teen centers and proms, the R&B vocal group included Al Townes, Phil Townes, Lee Gordon, and Larry Hart. The group was sometimes backed by the Chaumonts rhythm section. The Bleu Lights rhythm section members included Don Lassahn (guitar ex-Nicky C & Chateaux), guitarist Bob Flurie, guitarist Terry Combs, bassist Ron Tighlman, and drummer Denny Freeman (ex-December’s Children) who were both also with the band “X”.
Bob later joined the band Cherry Smash. Don went to Blessed, Jeremiah, Ravens, Patch.
The Bleu Lights released some exceptional soulful singles on the Bay Sound label. The 1968 singles stated that the songs were available on the Bay Sound LP 680015 “Royal Bleu”, but the album was never released. Their 1969 song “Yes I Do” was a Cashbox Magazine “Newcomer Pick Hit.”
The Bleu Lights continued to perform into the ‘00s at events sponsored by Milton Dugger and Gumption Records. Larry Hart was replaced with Lou Law.
Record releases by the Bleu Lights:
1968 Bay Sound 67003 They Don’t Know My Heart / Forever
1968 Bay Sound 67007 A Lonely Man’s Prayer / Bony Moronie
1969 Bay Sound 67010 Yes I Do / The End of My Dreams
1971 Bay Sound 67013 I Guess I’m In Love / As Long as You’re in Love with Me
In 1998 the Bleu Lights released a CD on Gumption G-9802 titled “The Bleu Lights Forever” which consists of some new material along with updated versions of their classics. Members Phil Townes, Lee Gordon, Al Townes, Charlie Brown, Sherman Fields, Charlie Davis, with music by Corey Brooks (keyboards), Clayton McLendon (guitar, keyboards), and Reuben Armstrong (drums ex-Spindles, Both Worlds).
Brooks and Armstrong also backed Tiny Tim Harris & the Do-It-All Band.
In honor of their 40th anniversary the group released the 2007 CD “Bleu Lights in The Basement.” ‘00s members included Al, Phil, Lee, Lou, and Yvonne.
