Rock originals and covers group originated as The 98 Rock Band, an idea by Program Director Jack Stewart, Ty Ford, and the staff at WIYY, as a vehicle to do promotions for the radio station. It quickly became apparent that the group would never be able to perform together because at least one of the members would always be on the air. Just down the street from the studio a band called Rock-It was rehearsing. Upon checking them out, the two groups ultimately merged and chose the name C.I.A.
Original members were Danny Dell (lead vocals –former bands included the Fabulous Montereys…), Fred Vanover (lead guitar), Ty Ford (rhythm), Steve Winger (Keyboards), Bill Walker (bass), and Rick Beavers (percussion).
The 98 Rock Band’s first live performance was on October 31, 1979 at the Famous Ballroom.
Dell was later replaced with Randy Meadows (lead vocals ex-Rock Island Express). This lineup billed as C.I.A. with Randy Meadows released the 1981 EP (Fat Daddy Productions SRL 1650) which included the songs “The Devil Cashes In,” “Scramble Out of Town,” “What Did I Do,” and “Heavy Box” recorded at Sheffield Studios. The engineers were Bill Mueller, Herb Shawker, and Ty Ford. “The Devil Cashes In” was also included on the 1982 “98 Rock Vol. II” LP. Knowing there would be a controversy, Ford said that he did not participate in choosing bands to be represented on the 98 Rock Album.
CIA photo from 1981 EP
C.I.A. played Coast to Coast, the Famous Ballroom, and other local venues. They opened for the Nighthawks at Hopkins.
Vanover went on to play with The Artimus Pyle Band… Ford worked at WIYY from 1977-86. His work as a producer included OHO’s “Okinawa,” The Tom Larsen Band, and others.
Dell, Vanover, Walker and Beavers later collaborated as the band Heavy Head
1981(EP) Fat Daddy 1650 The Devil Cashes In / Scramble Out of Town b/w What Did I Do / Heavy Box
