Popular recording group from Turner Station. The Jolly Jax started out performing at the P&M Lounge. They made a name for themselves while frequenting the Comedy Club Musical Bar on Pennsylvania Avenue. They were also a popular attraction at the Club Casino, Flamingo Lounge, and the Surf Club.
Billed as Herman Hill’s Jolly Jax the group included Herman (bass, sax), Carroll Hill (keyboards), Jerry Hill, (drums), Reginald Kelly (drums), and Charlie Pace (sax). They held down house band stints at venues such as Chick’s Musical Bar, and the Rail Inn. The band released a couple of singles on the Teenage label including the single “Mickey Mouse Rock” b/w “Walk On” while working as house band at the Comedy Club.
In 1957 Kelly left the band later joining the Rhythm Rockers, then the Highlighters. The band continued to work at other local clubs including the Club Florentine on Gwynn Oak Avenue, Club Casino, Dotson’s, Park Circle, Tim Tam Club, and the Club Al-Ho – featuring Humphrie ‘Hump’ Jones.
The Jolly Jax toured throughout the U.S., Canada, and traveled to Bermuda.
In 1965 Herman was killed in an aviation accident while learning to become a pilot. Guitarist Richard Calloway (ex-Shalimars) joined the group to replace him. Also joining was an organist from North Carolina named Al Davis. Calloway continued performing with the group until forming Richard & the Soul Twisters in 1973.
Following is a listing of Jolly Jax record releases. Their 1964 single “Meadow of Love” featured vocalist Judd Watkins who went on to join the Soul Brothers. The Jolly Jax also recorded two sides “I Don’t Need Your Love” b/w “Let Them Talk” found on a Sound Plus label acetate. It is uncertain at this time if it was released commercially.
Herman Hill’s son Kenny Hill sang with the Critics, and Cream Soda…
Record releases as Herman Hill & the Jolly Jax:
195* Teenage 1003 I’m Bad / Walk On
As the Jolly Jax:
1957 Teenage 1005 Mickey Mouse Rock / Walk On
1961 Dasher 501 Ugly Face / This Day
1962 V-Tone 233 There’s Something on Your Mind (Pt. 1) / (Pt. 2)
196* Airmaster 601 Pony Shuffle / Things Are Tough
196* Cookin’ 609 Tiphe Tine / Preciate It
1964 Ru-Jac 009 Meadow of Love / The Monkey Cha-Cha
19** Tina 201/202 Love / Honeymoonin’
19** Sound Plus (acetate) I Don’t Need Your Love / Let Them Talk
As the Jolly Jax Trio:
196* Airmaster 602 Everything Is A-Okay / Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum
As the Jolly Jacks:
1964 Landa 707 There’s Something on Your Mind / Rock the House
