Formed by ex-Vandells Don Muenzing and Danny Focht who were both tiring of the pop music scene. White Lightning was formed to played hits and album cuts by rock and psychedelic bands such as Steppenwolf, Iron Butterfly, Jeff Beck, Chambers Brothers, etc.
Members included Muenzing (keyboards), Focht (bass), with Bob ‘Fats’ Smith (lead vocals ex-Shadwells), Mike Scarinzi (guitar, bass ex-Shandells, Impact), and Dennis Kalwa (drums ex-Electra-Tones, Impact). Kalwa eventually left (joining the Fantastic Obsession) and was replaced with drummer Lee Tilton.
The band was managed by Fred Allen Productions. Allen was the leader / organist of the Jetsons and also played in Kingdom with Fats and Scarinzi.
White Lightning performed throughout the local teen center and school dance circuit – appearing at St. Philip & James CYO, Most Precious Blood CYO, Villa Cresta…
Photos below – November 1968 courtesy of Kenwood High School Alumni Association
Muenzing, Focht, and Tilton later formed Aaron’s Rod in 1970, and it was Muenzing and Focht as the nucleus of the band Klap later that year. Fats and Scarinzi were with Kingdom before forming Wizard.
