Country and rock and roll band from the Westminster area. The original line-up featured Susan Dell (keyboards, lead vocals ex-Green Mist), Bobby Hood (lead guitar), Bruce Dell (bass ex-Green Mist), Don Evans (rhythm guitar), and Bill Troxel (drums).
The group could be seen performing at local Moose and Elks halls, fire halls, school dances, proms… Purple Haze also worked as backup band for Ronnie Dove in Cherry Point, NC. Locally they opened for numerous country music stars including Jack Greene, Barbara Mandrell at Westminster High School, Ronnie Milsap in Wilmington, DE.
They recorded at Bradley Studios and released a single in 1975 “The World of a Child” b/w “Satin Sheets” written by S.Dell, D.Evans, J.Hicks, D.Suddath, and B.Dell. Their 1982 album on their own Baron label “Ten Years — One Day at a Time” featured David Suddath (vocals, guitar, drums), Susan Dell (vocals (piano), Bruce Dell (bass, keyboards), Jackie Hoffman (vocals, lead guitar), and Bob Kloss (steel guitar).
Susan cut a solo record in Nashville in 1977.
Other members of Purple Haze throughout the years included Steve Boose (guitar ex-Tigers, Status Seekers, Vertations), Steve Hirsch (keyboards), and Roger Starliper (drums).
Steve and Roger with Mary Clum (vocals, mandolin) went on to form ‘90s Carroll County based C&W band Branded. Members of Purple Haze re-formed in the ‘00s to perform for their local church services. Boose also produced recordings by Robbie Gouge & the Woodland Sound on B+R Records.
Purple Haze:
1975 PH 4293 The World of a Child / Satin Sheets
1982(LP) Baron 13617 Ten Years — One Day at a Time
Susan Dell:
1977 Safari 2015 Tonight I’m Feelin’ You All Over Again / Think of Me, Thinking of You
