JuJus

Arguably the most renowned band to emerge from the West Michigan garage rock scene of the 1960s, the JuJus formed in Grand Rapids in 1963. Originally comprising bassist Rod Sheppard, saxophonist Max Colley, Jr. and drummer Bill Gorsky--students at Grand Rapids' Godwin High School--in 1964 the group recruited singer/guitarist Ray Hummel III, a year later expanding to a quintet with the addition of ex-Paeans guitarist Rick Stevens. After playing local hangouts like the Ponytail and recording a demo of the Hammel-penned "Runaround," in 1966 the JuJus--so named in honor of Colley's younger brother's inability to correctly pronounce his nickname, "Junior"--signed to the local Fenton label to record their debut single, "You Treated Me Bad." The song later surfaced on the first volume of the legendary Pebbles series, guaranteeing the JuJus a spot in the garage band pantheon; their follow-up, "Do You Understand Me?," was also compiled on the first Back from the Grave compilation, further immortalizing their talents. But in mid-1966 Hammel left the JuJus to get married, soon after resurfacing in the short-lived Traffic Jams; a subsequent Hammel solo single, the Fenton release "Fine Day," featured backing from Colley and Gorsky. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide