Originally from Asheville, NC, Foster MacKenzie aka ‘Root Boy Slim’ grew up in D.C.
While living in Florida, Foster and college pal Bob Greenlee formed a band that relocated to D.C. in 1977. Dubbed The Sex Change Band, members included Ron Holloway (sax), Steuart Smith (guitar), Rev. Billy C. Wirtz (piano).
Record store entrepreneur Joe Lee (Joe’s Record Paradise) and Dick Bangham recorded a demo album in 1977 that was released in 1978 on Warner Brothers Records. A second album in 1979 (IRS/Illegal Records) continued with strong cult following but little commercial success. After European tour with Ian Dury & the Blockheads, guitarist Smith left and was replaced with Marshall Keys.
“Zoom” LP: Illegal Records
Locally they performed for capacity crowds at the Bayou (Georgetown), Cellar Door, Psychedelly (Bethesdaa), Varsity Grill (College Park), Marble Bar, Eight By Ten, Lucky Ned Peppers, The Brickhouse…
Root Boy’s subsequent band Capitol Offense (see bio) consisted of many of the D.C./Baltimore area’s best players.
Root Boy Slim passed away on June 8, 1993.
1978 Joe-Tel Xmas at K-Mart / Too Much Jawbone
1978(LP) Warner Bros Root Boy Slim & the Sex Change Band
1979 Illegal 9007 World War III / Dare to Be Fat
1979(LP) Illegal 006 Zoom
1984(LP) Congressional 001 Dog Secrets
1986(LP) Kingsnake Don’t Let This Happen to You
198*(LP) Kingsnake Left for Dead
1991(CS) Naked Language Root 6
