Group led by John McClean (Roane) and Glenn Sipes (Roane) originated in West Virginia and relocated to the Baltimore area. Members included Eddie Wilson (bass), Lynn Strauff (pedal steel –he also appears on many Wedge recordings as well as records by Sally Jane & Country Music Makers, Ron Goodwin, Virginia Breeze…). Strauff was later replaced with Donny Hinson circa 1968-77.
Johnny Roane and the Roane Brothers played Country & Western music on house band engagements at the Harum Club’s ‘Hillbilly Fun Corral,’ Nappy’s Cocktail Lounge on Howard Street, Club Paradise at Macy’s Corner and Ritchie Highway. Also at Carl’s Club 33 on Keswick Road, Moe’s, and the Chapel Cafe.
The band issued recordings including the single “My Brother Sleeps in Viet Nam” b/w “Dim the Lights (And Draw the Curtains)” (Wedge 1021). “Dim the Lights” was also included on the Wedge LP “Country Music North of Nashville.”
Johnny recorded a rockabilly single in 1958 on Wagon 1004 “Drag Strip Baby.” He also recorded as Johnny Grimes. He wrote songs for Sally Jane & the Country Music Makers that were released on Bolero Records, and L.C. Smith who released “20 Steps” on Wango Records.
Glenn Roane’s group included Charles Sills, Charlie Williams, Louis Dorsey (bass), Mel Crowther, and Donny Hinson (pedal steel guitar). His record releases include singles on Cash and Silver Star labels.
Hinson later played for the Country Outlaws…
Roane Brothers discography:
196* Wedge 1021 My Brother Sleeps in Viet Nam / Dim the Lights (And Draw the Curtains)
Johnny Roane:
1958 Wagon 1004 Wasted Past / Drag Strip Baby
Glenn Roane:
1970 Cash 3590 A Clown Never Cries / Living with A Memory
19** Silver Star 1003 Happy Anniversary / These Are the Things
