 | The Satellites were from Allen Park, Michigan. They were founded in 1964, and lasted until 1967 when they became The Blue Feeling. In late 1965, they recorded as backup band to Detroit vocal group Tim Tam and the Turn-Ons, whose "Wait a Minute" sold 30,000 copies in it's first month of release (February 1966). The flip of that single (Palmer 5002) was the surf marvel "Opelia," which The Satellites cut alone. The Satellites were Dave Fero - lead guitar, Ken Sipos - rhythm guitar, Carl Sweets - bass, Frank Schiavulli - drums, and Frank Vargo - lead vocals. The Satellites were freshmen at Allen Park High School when they started out. Around 1965, they recorded a demo at Pioneer Studios, "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better" and "You Really Got a Hold on Me." In June, 1966, They cut two more songs at United Sound, "I Believe" and "Midnight Hour." These were mixed by Les Cooley who would soon engineer Bob Seger's "Persecution Smith." Tim Tam and the Turn-Ons were six vocalists who also met at Allen Park High - Rick Wiesend (aka Tim Tam, lead vocalist), Danny Wiesend, Don Grundman, Nick Butsicaris, John Ogen and Earl Rennie. |